Now that you have braces, it’s important to know how to take care of them throughout your treatment so everything goes smoothly and stays on track.
Eating with Braces
Good news: most of your favorite foods are still on the table. You do need to be careful with a few things that can damage your appliances, but it won’t take long to get the hang of it.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: caramel, chewing gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods you bite into: corn on the cob, whole apples, raw carrots
Foods you can eat with braces:
- Dairy: soft cheeses, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats and poultry: soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit without pits
- Treats: ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Keeping Your Teeth and Braces Clean
Good oral hygiene is especially important when you’re in braces. Brush carefully after every meal, making sure to clean around brackets and under wires. Floss at least once a day using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get between your teeth. If brushing after a meal isn’t possible, rinse your mouth well with water until you can.
Keep up with your regular dental cleanings during treatment. Your dentist and our team work together to make sure your teeth stay healthy the whole time you’re in braces.
Soreness After Adjustments
It’s normal to feel some tenderness for a few days after getting braces placed or following an adjustment visit. Rinsing with warm salt water can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers work well too if you need them. Soft foods are your friend during those first few days.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth feel slightly loose during treatment, that’s completely normal. Braces work by gently shifting teeth, and a little movement is part of the process. Your teeth will feel secure again once they’ve settled into their new positions.
Taking Care of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can slow down your treatment, so it’s worth being careful. If something breaks or feels off, call us right away and we’ll get it sorted out quickly. With a little care, your treatment will stay on schedule and your results will be exactly what we planned.