Life with Braces

Taking care of your braces is key to making your treatment as smooth and effective as possible.

Eating with Braces

To protect your braces, avoid chewy (bagels, licorice), crunchy (popcorn, chips, ice), sticky (caramel, gum), or hard foods (nuts, hard candies), and anything you bite into (corn on the cob, apples, carrots). Stick to soft options like pasta, dairy, tender meats, steamed veggies, bananas, and smoothies.

Soreness and Irritation

Mild soreness is normal when you first get braces. Rinse with warm salt water or use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Lips and cheeks may feel irritated at first—orthodontic wax can help with that.

Loose Teeth

A bit of looseness means your teeth are moving as they should. Once they settle into position, the feeling will go away.

Broken Wires or Bands

If something comes loose, save the piece and give us a call. In the meantime, you can use a spoon or pencil eraser to gently tuck the wire back or cover sharp ends with wax.

Appliance Care

Wearing rubber bands, headgear, or retainers as directed is crucial. Damaged or neglected appliances can delay your progress.

Sports and Braces

You can still play sports! Just be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. If there’s an injury, check for damage and call us. Wax and saltwater rinses can help with temporary discomfort.