Life with Braces
Life with braces may feel complicated at first, but with the right tricks and tools, life can continue as normal! You’ll find our favorite tips for thriving with braces below. The most important thing is to be patient while adjusting to your new accessory!
If you feel you’re experiencing an emergency with your braces, please visit our emergency care page.
Brushing & Flossing
To brush, hold toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush the entire surface area of each tooth in a gentle, circular motion. Brush underneath wires and as close to brackets as possible. It is important to brush for a minimum of 2 minutes 2-3 times per day.
To floss, thread floss under the arch wire in between teeth using a floss threader. Floss gently with an up and down motion in between all teeth from top to bottom.
Habits to Avoid
To keep your braces in top condition, we encourage doing a quick review of your habits. If you bite your nails, chew on pencil erasers and pens, or chew gum, we recommend stopping as soon as possible.
These bad habits can damage your braces by causing the wires to bend, become loose, or break.
Foods to Avoid
• Sugary gum
• Popcorn
• Sticky candy
• Hard Bread
• Corn on the cob
• Raw carrots & apples
• Beef jerky
Foods to Enjoy
• Minty mouth spray or breath freshener strips
• Cheese or creamy peanut butter on crackers
• Frozen yogurt & greek yogurt
• Pasta
• Fruit cups & steamed veggies
• Meatballs
Musical Instruments
If you play an instrument with a mouthpiece, allow a time of adjustment for learning to play with braces.
Just as any musician knows, practice makes progress! Don’t shy away from your instrument. Gently practice until your mouth adjusts. It will feel back to normal in no time!
If you experience any discomfort, utilize orthodontic wax to soften the trouble areas.
Athletics
If you play a sport that normally requires mouth protection, it’s important to ask us about a proper orthodontic mouthguard. Keeping your braces fully protected to avoid injury while you have fun should be your first priority!
Still have questions?
Call our office if you have any additional questions regarding your braces. We’re here to help!