Life With Braces

Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It's important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.

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Embracing braces can be a significant step towards not only achieving a beautiful smile but also ensuring better oral health. This resource page is dedicated to providing you with essential information, tips, and advice on navigating the various aspects of life with braces. From understanding the basics of brace care to adapting your daily habits for optimal comfort and effectiveness, we're here to ensure your experience is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, towards a healthier, more confident smile!

eating with braces

Don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. Here are some foods to avoid with braces:

Chewy foods: bagels, licorice

Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice

Sticky foods: caramel candies, chewing gum

Hard foods: nuts, hard candies

Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods that you can enjoy with braces include:

Dairy: soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts

Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice

Meats/poultry: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice

Treats: ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

pain relief solutions for after you get braces

When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).


If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.

What if something comes loose?

Experiencing loose teeth during your orthodontic treatment can be unsettling, but it's a common and often normal part of the process as your teeth adjust to their new positions. If you notice any teeth becoming loose, it's important to contact your orthodontist promptly to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and to address any concerns you may have. Here are specific solutions you can consult as well:

Loose Teeth: If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.

Loose wires and bands: The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.

How to take care of your braces

Proper care of your braces is crucial for achieving the best results and maintaining your oral health throughout your orthodontic journey. Here are key practices to follow:

Brushing and Flossing: With braces, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush to clean around the wires and brackets. Flossing daily is essential; consider using a floss threader or water flosser to navigate around the braces more effectively.

Eating Braces-Friendly Foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay. Opt for softer foods, especially after adjustments when your teeth might be more sensitive.

Regular Check-ups: Attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist. These visits are crucial for adjusting your braces and monitoring your progress. If any part of your braces breaks or becomes loose, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Protecting Your Braces: If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from injury. Be mindful of habits like nail-biting or pencil-chewing, which can damage your braces.

Dealing with Discomfort: It's normal to experience some discomfort after your braces are adjusted. Use orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires or brackets that cause irritation. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage soreness.

schedule a braces consultation with us

Ready to embark on a journey towards a perfect smile? Don't let the challenges of living with braces hold you back! Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and success. Whether you have questions about oral hygiene, dietary adjustments, or need tips for dealing with discomfort, we're here to help. Reach out to us today to schedule your next appointment and take control of your orthodontic journey. Together, we can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. Let's make your braces experience as smooth and rewarding as possible - contact us now!

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For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (925) 828-5500 or visit our contact page.

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