Life with Braces
Please take a minute to print and fill out the patient information form before your first appointment:
Navigating Your Orthodontic Journey
Congratulations on beginning your path to a beautiful, healthy smile! Understanding how to properly care for your braces will help ensure comfortable treatment and optimal results.
Eating with Braces
You can still enjoy many of your favorite foods with braces. Making smart food choices helps prevent emergencies and keeps your treatment on schedule.
Foods to Avoid
Hard Foods
- Hard candies and nuts
- Ice cubes
- Hard taco shells
- Popcorn
Sticky Foods
- Caramel and taffy
- Chewing gum
- Sticky candy
- Fruit roll-ups
Chewy Foods
- Bagels and hard rolls
- Beef jerky
- Licorice
- Pizza crust
Foods That Require Biting Into
- Corn on the cob
- Whole apples and pears
- Raw carrots and celery
- Large sandwiches
Braces-Friendly Foods
Dairy Products
- Soft cheeses
- Yogurt
- Pudding and milkshakes
- Ice cream (without nuts)
Breads and Grains
- Soft tortillas
- Pancakes and waffles
- Soft cookies
- Pasta dishes
Proteins
- Soft-cooked meats
- Fish without bones
- Eggs
- Tofu and beans
Fruits and Vegetables
- Bananas
- Berries
- Applesauce
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
Managing Discomfort
Some soreness when you first get braces and after adjustments is normal. This temporary discomfort shows your braces are working to move your teeth.
Initial Soreness Relief
- Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water)
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Eat soft foods until discomfort subsides
- Apply orthodontic wax to irritating brackets
Soft Tissue Irritation
Your cheeks, lips, and tongue will adjust to your braces within 1-2 weeks.
- Apply orthodontic wax to problematic areas
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use over-the-counter oral anesthetic gels if needed
- Keep excellent oral hygiene to prevent additional irritation
Oral Hygiene Essentials
Keeping your teeth and braces clean requires extra attention but leads to better results when your braces come off.
Brushing Technique
- Brush for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Angle your brush to clean above and below brackets
- Pay special attention to the gumline
- Brush after meals when possible
Flossing with Braces
- Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers
- Move floss gently between teeth and along the gumline
- Consider a water flosser for easier cleaning
Helpful Tools
- Interdental brushes for cleaning around brackets
- Fluoride mouth rinses for cavity prevention
- Orthodontic toothbrushes with specialized bristles
Handling Orthodontic Issues
Loose Brackets
- Leave the bracket in place if still attached to the wire
- Cover with orthodontic wax if causing irritation
- Contact our office to schedule a repair
Poking Wires
- Use a pencil eraser to gently push wire away from sensitive areas
- Cover the end with orthodontic wax
- Schedule an appointment for proper adjustment
Loose Teeth
Some tooth mobility is normal during orthodontic treatment
- Teeth must loosen slightly to move into proper position
- This will stabilize once teeth reach their final positions
Sports and Activities
You can continue all your favorite activities during orthodontic treatment!
Sports Protection
- Wear a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard
- Choose a mouthguard designed specifically for braces
- Check your braces after playing sports
- Address any discomfort promptly
Musical Instruments
- Allow time to adjust to playing with braces
- Use dental wax on brackets causing discomfort
- Practice regularly to adapt quickly
- Most musicians adjust within a few weeks
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Book a personalized consultation with Dr. Sharma and experience expert orthodontic care in a calm, private setting. Your dream smile starts here.
