All About Braces Care
Getting braces is the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. While braces do an incredible job of straightening teeth, they also require some lifestyle adjustments. Below, you’ll find helpful information on caring for your braces and making treatment as smooth as possible.
How Do I Brush and Floss with Braces?
Oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Braces make it harder to clean around teeth, so extra care is needed to prevent plaque, cavities, and gum problems. Patients who don’t brush and floss properly may need more frequent professional cleanings.
Brush after every meal, paying close attention to the brackets and wires.
Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks.
Adults with a history of gum disease should also visit a periodontist during treatment.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
A common question we hear is: “What can I eat with braces?” The answer is simple: enjoy softer foods, especially right after an adjustment, and protect your appliances at every meal.
During the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, pasta, or smoothies.
Avoid hard, chewy, and sticky items that can break or loosen brackets.
Once you’ve adjusted, you’ll be able to eat most foods again — but always with care.
Which Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
To prevent damage and keep treatment on track, steer clear of:
Chewy foods: bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
Sticky foods: gum, caramel
Hard foods: nuts, candy
Biting into foods: whole apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob
Chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails can also damage braces. Any breakage may extend your treatment time and require extra appointments.
Is It Normal to Feel Soreness with Braces?
It’s normal to feel some soreness when braces are first placed. Teeth may feel tender to biting pressure for 3–5 days, and lips, cheeks, and tongue can be irritated for a week or two.
Over-the-counter pain relievers (like Tylenol) help manage discomfort.
Orthodontic wax can be placed over brackets or wires to ease irritation.
The soreness will fade as your mouth adjusts.
Loosening of Teeth
Feeling teeth become a little loose can be unsettling, but it’s a normal part of orthodontic treatment. Teeth must first loosen to move into their new positions. Once treatment is finished, they will stabilize in their corrected alignment.
What Should I Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
If a wire or band comes loose, don’t panic. This sometimes happens.
Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back in place.
Apply orthodontic wax or wet cotton to reduce irritation.
Call our office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.
Rubber Band Wear
Orthodontic treatment is a team effort between you and Dr. Susan Korch. Rubber bands or other appliances only work when worn as instructed. Skipping wear or damaging appliances will slow progress and lengthen treatment time, so be consistent.
Athletics and Braces
If you play sports, let us know so we can provide a protective mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent injuries and protects your braces during contact activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for braces the right way helps ensure faster progress, fewer emergencies, and a smoother treatment experience. Many patients and parents have questions about what life with braces is really like, beyond the basics of brushing and eating. These FAQs provide quick, helpful guidance to support a comfortable, confident, and successful orthodontic journey.
Are there specific toothbrushes or tools that make braces care easier for teens and adults?
Yes. Many patients prefer electric toothbrushes, interdental brushes, and water flossers to make cleaning around brackets and wires more efficient.
How do I prevent white spots or staining while wearing braces?
White spots form from plaque buildup. Using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks, and maintaining routine dental cleanings help reduce the risk.
Is it safe to chew sugar-free gum with braces?
Most orthodontists recommend avoiding gum altogether, but some sugar-free brands may be acceptable depending on the patient. Always ask your orthodontist first.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontists straighten teeth, but routine dental care—including exams, cleanings, and cavity treatment—must continue throughout braces treatment.
Can braces treatment be delayed if I have upcoming travel, school events, or sports seasons?
Yes. Treatment start dates can often be planned around major life events to ensure comfort and convenience.
