How to Care for Braces During Everyday Life

Getting braces is an exciting step towards a straighter smile, but it also means adjusting some daily routines. Brackets and wires create extra places for food and plaque to collect, and certain foods can damage your appliance. With a little extra care, most people adapt quickly.

Cleaning your teeth with braces

Brush after meals

Food easily gets trapped around brackets. Try to brush after every meal, or at least rinse thoroughly with water if brushing is not possible.

Technique

• Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Brush above and below the brackets, angling the bristles towards the wire
• Clean every tooth surface, including the back teeth
• Spend a little longer than two minutes if needed

Between the teeth

Interdental brushes slide under the wire and between brackets. Floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help you floss under the wire. A water flosser may also be useful. Ask the team to show you the best tools for your braces.

Plaque left around brackets can cause white marks on the teeth (decalcification) and gum inflammation, so thorough cleaning really matters.

What to eat and avoid

Foods to avoid or limit

• Hard foods such as nuts, hard sweets and ice
• Sticky foods such as toffees and chewing gum
• Very chewy foods
• Biting directly into hard fruits like whole apples or corn on the cob — cut them into small pieces instead

Sugar

Sugary snacks and drinks increase the risk of decay around brackets. Keep them to mealtimes and brush afterwards.

Managing soreness

It is common to feel pressure or tenderness for a few days after braces are fitted or adjusted.

• Choose soft foods during sore days
• Orthodontic wax can be placed over brackets that rub the cheeks
• Over-the-counter pain relief may help if suitable for you; follow packaging directions
• Warm saltwater rinses can soothe irritated areas

Sport and activities

Wear a mouthguard for contact sports. Ask your dentist about a suitable type, as standard guards may not fit over braces.

If something breaks

Brackets can loosen and wires can poke. If this happens:

• Do not try to fix it yourself with tools
• Cover sharp ends with orthodontic wax
• Call the clinic to arrange a repair
• Keep any pieces that come off and bring them to your appointment

A broken bracket can slow treatment, so let the team know promptly.

Keep your appointments

Regular adjustment visits keep treatment progressing as planned. Missing appointments can lengthen overall treatment time.

After braces come off

Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions. Wear them exactly as instructed. Teeth can shift throughout life, so long-term retainer use is often recommended.

Braces or aligners?

If you are still deciding on treatment, our guide to braces vs clear aligners compares both options. Learn more about braces treatment at Dental Planet, or contact us if you have a problem with your braces.