All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. At Stone Oak Orthodontics, we want you, and your family to feel informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way. Knowing how to care for your braces, what to eat, and what to expect during treatment can make a big difference in both comfort and results.
Whether you’re a teen with braces or an adult balancing orthodontic care with a busy lifestyle, this guide will help you navigate daily life with braces more easily.
Brushing and Flossing With Braces
When you have braces, good oral hygiene matters more than ever. Brackets and wires create extra spaces where food and plaque can collect, making brushing and flossing a little more challenging, but also more important.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean during orthodontic treatment helps:
- Prevent cavities and gum inflammation
- Reduce the risk of white spots around brackets
- Keep your smile healthy throughout treatment
Patients who struggle with oral hygiene may need more frequent professional cleanings during treatment. Adults with a history of gum disease should also continue regular care with a periodontist while wearing braces.
We encourage patients to review proper brushing and flossing techniques for braces so they feel confident caring for their teeth at home.
Eating With Braces: What to Expect
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What can I eat with braces?” The good news is, you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods with a few adjustments.
Right After an Adjustment
For the first day or two after getting braces or having an adjustment, your teeth may feel tender. During this time:
- Stick to soft foods
- Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables
Before long, most patients are back to eating comfortably again. You may even be biting into foods like cucumbers with ease, just with a bit more care.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
To protect your orthodontic appliances and keep treatment on track, some foods should be avoided while wearing braces.
Foods That Can Damage Braces
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: caramels, chewing gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
- Foods you have to bite into: apples, carrots, corn on the cob
Cutting foods into smaller pieces and chewing carefully can help reduce the risk of broken brackets or bent wires.
General Soreness After Getting Braces
It’s completely normal to experience some soreness when braces are first placed or after adjustments. Most patients notice:
- General mouth soreness
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- Mild discomfort lasting 3–5 days
Over-the-counter pain relief, such as Tylenol, can help manage discomfort. Avoid medications you wouldn’t normally take unless recommended by your physician.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated for the first week or two as your mouth adjusts.
Orthodontic Wax Helps
Orthodontic wax is a simple and effective way to reduce irritation. We’ll provide wax for you to place over brackets or wires that are causing discomfort.
Is It Normal for Teeth to Feel Loose?
Yes, and while it can feel alarming, it’s completely expected. Teeth must loosen slightly so they can move into their new positions. This is a normal part of orthodontic treatment.
Once treatment is complete, your teeth will firm up again in their corrected positions.
What to Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose
Occasionally, a wire or band may come loose. This happens from time to time and is usually easy to manage.
If a wire is poking or irritating your mouth:
- Try gently pushing it back using a clean, blunt object (like the eraser end of a pencil)
- Use orthodontic wax if the area is uncomfortable
- Place wax or damp cotton over the wire if irritation continues
If the problem doesn’t improve, call our office as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair appointment.
Rubber Band Wear: Why It Matters
Rubber bands and other appliances play a crucial role in guiding your teeth and jaws into the correct positions. Orthodontic treatment works best when patients follow instructions closely.
Not wearing rubber bands as prescribed, or damaging appliances, can:
- Slow down progress
- Extend treatment time
- Lead to additional appointments
Consistency is key. When you wear your appliances as directed, treatment stays on track and finishes sooner.
Playing Sports With Braces
If you or your child plays sports, especially contact sports, it’s important to let us know. We provide protective mouthguards designed to be worn over braces to help protect teeth, lips, and orthodontic appliances during play.
Staying active is encouraged, just make sure your smile stays protected.
We’re Here to Help Every Step of the Way
Life with braces comes with a learning curve, but you’re never on your own. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you feel confident throughout treatment.
Ready for a Smooth Braces Experience?
If you or your child are starting orthodontic treatment—or have questions about caring for braces, Stone Oak Orthodontics is here to help.
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment or ask a question.
With the right habits and support, braces can fit smoothly into your daily life—and lead to a smile you’ll love for years to come.