Reviewed by Dr. David Dung, board-certified orthodontist
Living with braces is easier than most patients expect. This guide covers what to eat, how to brush and floss, what to do about soreness or a loose wire, and how to protect your braces during sports. Dr. David Dung, Dr. Kaitlyn Tom, Dr. Lauren Todoki, and our team are always here to help if you have questions.
Eating with Braces
For the first day or so you should stick to soft foods, as your teeth and gums will likely be sore or tender. It is a good idea to avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables during this time, but before long, you’ll be able to comfortably bite into regular foods. After your mouth has recovered you will still need to protect your orthodontic appliances every time you eat as long as you’re wearing braces.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: caramel, gum, candies
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Other foods you have to bite hard into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Chewing on hard things like pens, pencils, and fingernails can damage braces, causing treatment to take longer.
Brushing and Flossing
It is important to brush and floss regularly, especially when you have braces, to keep teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. Keeping your teeth clean around your braces helps you avoid extra cleaning visits with your dentist. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during treatment to prevent problems.
General Soreness
Shortly after you get your braces on, you may feel soreness in your mouth, and teeth may be sensitive to biting pressure for a few days, usually three to five. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the directions on the label to help ease the discomfort. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and get used to the braces. We’ll give you orthodontic wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to reduce discomfort.
Loosening of Teeth
Some loosening of the teeth is to be expected throughout treatment, and is completely normal. Teeth must loosen somewhat before they can move, and will firm up in their new, corrected positions after treatment is completed.
Loose Wire or Band
Occasionally, a wire or band will break or come loose, and this is normally not a major problem. If a wire is irritating your lip or cheek, use the eraser end of a pencil to carefully push the wire back under the main wire and out of the way. If irritation continues, place wax or a damp cotton ball on the exposed section. Call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so we can check and repair the problem.
Athletics
It is important to let us know what sports you play, if any, so that we can help prevent problems. Let us know which sports you play, so we can help you prevent problems. Ask us about a mouthguard to protect your braces during contact sports.
Rubber Band Wear
You’re an important part of your treatment team. Wearing your rubber bands as directed helps keep treatment on track. If any orthodontic appliance is lost or broken, let us know as soon as possible.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
The Mililani Orthodontics team is here to make your treatment as quick and comfortable as possible. Taking good care of your braces and appliances helps keep treatment on schedule. If you have questions about treatment, a broken or loose appliance, or want to start treatment, please contact us. A member of our team will be happy to help.