All About Braces
Getting braces is an important step toward a healthier, more confident smile. At Bernhardt & Smith Orthodontics, Dr. Melissa Bernhardt and Dr. Blair Smith are committed to making your orthodontic experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Understanding how to care for your braces and adjust to daily life with them will help you stay on track and achieve the best possible results.
How Do I Care for My Teeth with Braces?
Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is essential. Braces create small spaces where food and plaque can build up, increasing the risk of cavities and gum problems if not properly cleaned.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers
- Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and wires
- Rinse with mouthwash to help reduce bacteria
If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend additional care with your general dentist or a specialist.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
Adjusting your diet is an important part of protecting your braces and avoiding unnecessary repairs. While there are still plenty of foods you can enjoy, some modifications will be needed.
During the first few days after getting braces or adjustments, it’s best to stick to softer foods such as pasta, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes while your teeth adjust.
What Foods Should I Avoid?
Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, which may delay your treatment. Being mindful of what you eat helps keep your progress on track.
Avoid the following:
- Chewy foods like bagels, licorice, and tough breads
- Crunchy foods like popcorn, ice, and chips
- Sticky foods like gum, caramel, and taffy
- Hard foods like nuts and hard candy
- Foods you bite into, such as apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots
It’s also important to avoid habits like chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails, as these can damage your appliances.
Is It Normal to Feel Soreness with Braces?
It is completely normal to experience some soreness when braces are first placed or after adjustments. You may feel pressure on your teeth or mild irritation on your lips and cheeks as your mouth adapts.
This discomfort is temporary and typically lasts a few days. You can manage it by:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief as needed
- Using orthodontic wax to reduce irritation
- Eating soft foods during sensitive periods
- Rinsing with warm salt water to soothe your mouth
Most patients adjust within one to two weeks.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?
It’s normal for teeth to feel slightly loose during orthodontic treatment. This is part of the process that allows your teeth to move into their correct positions.
Once treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize in their new alignment.
What Should I Do If Something Breaks?
Occasionally, a bracket, band, or wire may become loose or cause irritation. While this is common, it’s important to address it properly.
If this happens:
- Try gently pushing a wire into place with a pencil eraser
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any irritation
- Contact our office to schedule a repair appointment
Prompt attention helps keep your treatment on track.
Why Are Rubber Bands Important?
Rubber bands, also called elastics, play a key role in correcting your bite. They help guide your teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
For best results:
- Wear them exactly as instructed
- Replace them regularly as directed
- Stay consistent to avoid delays in treatment
Following instructions closely can shorten treatment time and improve results.
Can I Play Sports with Braces?
Yes, you can continue playing sports while wearing braces. However, it’s important to protect your teeth and appliances.
We recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports to prevent injury and damage to your braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wearing braces comes with some adjustments, but understanding what to expect can make the process much easier.
Do Braces Require Special Toothpaste or Tools?
While regular fluoride toothpaste works well, using tools like interdental brushes, floss threaders, or a water flosser can make cleaning around braces much easier and more effective.
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush with Braces?
It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush more frequently during treatment, typically every 3 months or sooner if the bristles become worn from cleaning around brackets and wires.
Can Braces Cause Staining on My Teeth?
Braces themselves don’t cause staining, but poor oral hygiene can lead to discoloration around the brackets. Keeping your teeth clean throughout treatment helps prevent this.
What Should I Do If Food Gets Stuck in My Braces?
You can use an interdental brush, floss threader, or rinse with water to remove food particles. Keeping a small hygiene kit with you can be helpful when you’re away from home.
Will I Need to Change My Routine with Braces?
You may need to adjust your eating and cleaning habits slightly, but most patients quickly adapt and continue their normal daily activities without major disruptions.