Great results in orthodontics depend on great daily habits at home. The good news? Caring for braces is simple once you know the routine — and our team will walk you through every step at your first adjustment visit.
Below are the tips we share most often. As always, if anything ever feels off between appointments, give us a call. Small issues are usually quick to fix and we'd much rather hear from you than have you wait.
Brushing & flossing with braces
- Brush gently after every meal — and at minimum twice a day — with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and angle the brush around brackets
- Floss daily with a floss threader, Super Floss, or a water flosser
- Use an interdental brush to clean around brackets and under the wire
Foods to avoid
- Hard foods: ice, hard candy, nuts, popcorn kernels
- Sticky foods: caramels, taffy, gum, fruit snacks
- Crunchy foods like raw carrots or hard pretzels — cut into smaller pieces instead
- Biting directly into apples, corn on the cob, or hard rolls — slice first
Handling discomfort
- Mild soreness for 2–3 days after an adjustment is normal — try soft foods
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe gums
- Apply orthodontic wax over any bracket or wire that's irritating your cheek
- Over-the-counter pain relievers are fine if approved by your physician
Loose brackets or poking wires
- Cover any sharp edge with orthodontic wax for comfort
- If a wire is poking, you can gently push it back with a pencil eraser
- Save any loose pieces and bring them to your next visit
- Call our office so we can decide if you need to come in sooner
Retainers — protect your investment
- Wear your retainer exactly as prescribed — usually every night, for life
- Clean it daily with a soft brush and cool water
- Always store it in its case (not a napkin!) when it's out
- Keep it away from heat — no dishwashers, hot cars, or hot water
