Caring For Your Braces
Congratulations! You are on Your Way to a Fantastic Smile!
Braces are a big step toward a healthy and straight smile. At Caledonia Orthodontics, we want to help you take good care of your braces so your treatment stays smooth, safe, and on track. With the right habits, you can protect your braces and keep your teeth clean throughout your treatment. We are here to guide you through simple steps for caring for your braces, so you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile.
Will My Braces Hurt?
It’s normal to feel a bit of pressure or soreness for the first 24–48 hours after an appointment. This happens because your teeth are beginning to move. The discomfort typically subsides within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Cool foods like ice cream, yogurt, or smoothies can also be soothing because cold temperatures help calm irritated nerves.
If a bracket feels rough, you can use the orthodontic wax we provide to smooth it out. Rinsing with warm salt water also helps ease irritation. After a couple of weeks, your cheeks will toughen up, and you likely won’t need wax as often. If anything feels uncomfortable or you need more help, our orthodontist near you can offer personalized tips and solutions.
How Do I Keep My Braces Clean?
Keeping your braces clean prevents cavities, gum irritation, and stains around the brackets.
Brushing
- Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Use a soft tooth brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean your teeth with gentle, circular motions.
- Brush the outside surfaces of each tooth at least 10 times.
- Brush the inside surfaces of each tooth 10 times.
- Clean along the gumline using a light rolling motion.
- Brush the chewing surfaces last.
- Use a proxy brush (the small brush in your kit) to clean around brackets and under the wire.
Flossing
- Floss every day to keep the spaces between your teeth clean.
- Use a floss threader to get the floss under your braces wire.
- Gently slide the floss between each tooth and just under the gumline.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
Braces are delicate, so the goal is to avoid breaking them.
Cut hard foods, such as apples, carrots, or pizza crust, into small pieces.
Avoid very hard items, such as nuts, ice, hard candy, or pen caps.
Stay away from sticky foods like toffee, caramel, and taffy.
Take small bites and chew slowly.
What If a Wire Is Poking or a Bracket Breaks?
Poking Wire.
Try pushing the wire gently with your finger. If it still pokes, place wax on the spot. Call our clinic so we can trim the wire. A parent may also use clean nail clippers to cut the wire at home if needed.
Loose Bracket.
If the bracket spins or bothers you, cover it with wax. Then, call us so we can address the issue at your next visit or sooner if you’re uncomfortable.
Do I Need a Mouthguard?
If you play sports, we recommend using a mouthguard designed for braces. It helps protect your lips, teeth, and brackets from injury.
How Can I Get My Braces Off Sooner?
You can help your treatment move faster by:
Avoiding damage to your braces
Wearing your elastics as instructed
Keeping your teeth and gums clean
Visiting our orthodontist in Caledonia, ON, every three to four months
Extra Tips for Better Braces Care
Stay Hydrated.
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth clean throughout the day.
Check Your Braces Daily.
Take a quick look in the mirror each night to make sure no brackets or wires are loose. Catching problems early can help avoid treatment delays.
Use Fluoride Rinse.
A fluoride mouthwash gives your teeth extra protection against cavities, especially around the brackets.
Ready for a Healthy, Straight Smile?
Iyou’rere looking for a clinic that can help you care for your braces, Caledonia Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Call us today at (905) 765-7005 — we’re here to keep your smile moving in the right direction!