How to Take Care of Braces: Essential Daily Routine & Tips

Braces are a step toward achieving a confident and healthy smile. They play a crucial role in correcting misaligned teeth, improving bite alignment, and creating a perfect smile.

Conditions Braces Can Treat

  • Overcrowded Teeth
  • Underbite or overbite
  • Crossbite
  • Gaps or spaces between teeth
  • Correcting different types of bite issues, such as Class 2 (when the upper jaw is too far forward) and Class 3 (when the lower jaw is positioned ahead of the upper jaw)

    • There is much more about braces and aligners on our Braces and Aligner page.

    Braces Treatment

    Why Is It Essential to Care for Braces?

    Maintaining oral hygiene is critical for the overall health of the oral cavity. Neglecting proper care can lead to:

  • Plaque buildup and cavities.
  • Delays in treatment time and expected results.
  • Damaged brackets and wires, which lead to additional orthodontic visits.
    • Braces Treatment

    Daily Braces Care & Routine Tips

    A consistent daily routine is key to keeping your braces clean and your treatment on track. Follow these simple care tips every day to protect your teeth, prevent damage, and get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.

    Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

    Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to keep your teeth, gums, and braces clean.

    Brushing

    Brush thoroughly after every meal to remove food debris and plaque. Use a soft-bristled orthodontic toothbrush or electric toothbrush with orthodontic head, along with fluoride toothpaste.

    Pay extra attention to areas around the brackets and wires. Angle the brush at 45 degrees and gently clean around the brackets, tooth surfaces, and gums. Brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of all teeth.

    Brush for at least two minutes, twice daily. Night brushing is very important to maintain oral hygiene.

    Brushing during bracres treatment

    Flossing

    Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it is crucial for removing food particles and plaque between the teeth and gums.

    Use orthodontic floss or water flossers for better access and ease. This step is essential as it targets areas a toothbrush cannot reach, helping prevent cavities and gum disease.

    Flossing is done before you brush your teeth.

    Flossing Flossing Flossing

    Interdental Brushes

    These small, tapered brushes can fit easily between wires and brackets, allowing better cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. Use them to clean around brackets and remove trapped food particles.

    Interdental Brushes

    Mouthwash

    Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque and tooth decay. It also helps maintain gum health and freshens breath.

    Dietary Considerations

  • Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like candies, popcorn, nuts, caramel, and chewing gum, as these can break or loosen brackets and wires.
  • Choose soft foods like rice, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, etc. Cut food into smaller pieces to avoid putting pressure on the brackets while chewing.
  • Limit acidic and sugary foods that can increase the risk of tooth decay.
  • Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and berries. Rinse or brush after consuming such items to reduce staining.

    • Be Mindful of Habits

    Avoid biting nails, chewing on pens or pencils, or clenching your jaw, as these habits can damage the braces or slow down treatment progress. If you feel you are clenching or grinding your teeth, inform your orthodontist immediately.

    Attend All Orthodontic Appointments

    Regular visits to the orthodontist ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. These appointments allow for timely adjustments and early resolution of any issues.

    Protect Your Braces During Sports or Physical Activities

    Dental professionals recommend wearing a mouthguard during sports or activities where there is a risk of facial impact.

    This is especially important for people with braces, as an injury can damage the braces, teeth, gums, and lips.

    Consult your orthodontist to choose the right mouthguard for your needs.

    Sports Braces

    Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

    Unexpected issues can sometimes happen during your braces journey. Knowing how to handle common orthodontic emergencies can help you stay comfortable and avoid delays in your treatment.

    Loose Brackets or Bands

  • A loose bracket or band can cause discomfort. If it's still attached to the wire, cover it with orthodontic wax to avoid irritation
  • If it detaches completely, place it in a small bag and bring it to your next appointment.
  • Inform your orthodontist to schedule a repair.
    • loose bracket

    Broken or Poking Wires

  • If a wire becomes loose or sticks out, try to gently reposition it back into place.
  • If it continues to poke, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax to avoid injury.
  • Do not cut or remove the wire yourself. However, if the wire is sticking out too much and causing excessive discomfort, and you cannot visit the orthodontist promptly, use a nail cutter to cut off the wire carefully. This should be informed to the orthodontist as soon as possible and an appointment be made at the earliest.
  • Contact your orthodontist for a repair appointment.
    • Broken braces

    Elastics or Rubber Bands

  • If your treatment plan includes elastics, follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
  • Replace them as directed to ensure proper tooth movement. If one breaks, replace the elastics on both sides immediately with new ones.
    • Elastics for Braces

    Soreness or Discomfort

  • Mild discomfort is common, especially after adjustments.
  • Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage the pain.
  • Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also ease discomfort.
  • If the pain is severe or persistent, inform your orthodontist.

    • Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups

    Continue to visit your general dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This ensures your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the orthodontic treatment

    Conclusion

    Taking care of your braces is essential for achieving great results and maintaining a healthy smile. Following good oral hygiene practices, eating the right foods, attending appointments, and following your orthodontist’s advice all contribute to a smooth and effective treatment journey

    For more information on orthodontic treatments, visit Braces and Aligners

    For a seamless and personalized braces journey, visit Dhriti Dental, in Nallagandla or Manikonda, now! Our expert orthodontists ensure comfortable treatment and informed treatment journeys