Braces Aftercare Guide: Protect Your Smile

Congratulations! You’re on the journey to achieving a straighter, healthier smile. Your braces will gradually align your teeth and correct any bite issues, but proper care is essential to ensure the best results. Follow this orthodontic aftercare guide to protect your braces and enhance your treatment outcome.

Eating and Drinking with Braces

The foods you can eat depend on the type of braces you have. If you wear removable aligners (such as Invisalign), you can eat normally, but you must remove them before meals. However, if you have fixed braces, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat to prevent damage.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewing gum
• Hard vegetables like carrots and celery (unless cut into small pieces)
• Nuts of any kind
• Popcorn
• Tough meats such as steak (unless tender and cut into small pieces)
• Hard sweets and toffees

Recommended Foods

• Soft foods like yoghurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and mashed potatoes
• Cooked vegetables and tender meats
• Cheese and soft bread

Sticky or hard foods can break the wires and make your braces difficult to clean, so sticking to a braces-friendly diet will protect your treatment progress.

Protecting Your Build-Ups

Some patients may require dental build-ups to correct their bite. While these help your teeth move properly, they can take time to adjust to. If you have build-ups, opt for softer foods until your bite feels more natural.

As your teeth align, eating will become easier, and we will remove the build-ups as soon as they are no longer needed.

Drinking with Braces

Braces and aligners are prone to staining, so be cautious with your beverage choices.

• For removable aligners: Drink only water while wearing them. Remove them before drinking anything sugary, acidic, or dark-colored to prevent staining.
• For fixed braces: Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks, which can lead to plaque buildup. If you drink soda or alcohol, choose clear beverages like lemonade instead of cola.

Keeping Your Braces Clean

Proper oral hygiene is key to a successful orthodontic treatment. Here’s how to keep your braces in top condition:

• Removable aligners: Rinse them daily with warm water and clean them with a soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste, as it can scratch them.
• Fixed braces: Brush and floss regularly to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Use an interproximal brush to clean between brackets and wires.
• Weekly cleaning: Use a specialist cleaning solution for aligners or follow your orthodontist’s recommendations for maintaining your braces.

Caring for Your Braces

• Do not break, bend, or lose any part of your braces, as this can delay treatment progress.
• If a bracket or wire becomes loose or broken, call our clinic for an emergency appointment.
• After your braces are removed, schedule a hygiene visit for a professional cleaning to remove any tartar buildup.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing properly is even more important when wearing braces. Here’s what you need to do:

• Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
• Floss regularly using an interdental brush or orthodontic floss to clean between teeth and around brackets.
• Check your teeth after brushing to ensure no food is stuck, as trapped particles can lead to plaque and decalcification marks.

Remember, braces do not cause white spots—plaque buildup does! Keep your teeth clean to avoid permanent stains.

Managing Discomfort

Braces can cause mild discomfort, especially after adjustments, but these tips can help:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers can ease initial discomfort.
• Saltwater rinses: Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce irritation and prevent ulcers.
• Orthodontic wax: Apply wax to any brackets or wires causing soreness to create a protective barrier.

If discomfort persists, contact our orthodontic team for further assistance.

Protecting Your Braces During Sports

Wearing braces doesn’t mean you have to stop playing sports, but protecting your mouth is essential.

• For removable aligners: Take them out before playing.
• For fixed braces: Use a custom-fitted gum shield to prevent injuries.

Our orthodontists can help you choose the best mouthguard for your needs.

Caring for Your Smile Today for a Brighter Tomorrow!

You’ve invested in a healthier smile—now it’s time to take care of it! By following these aftercare guidelines, you’ll keep your braces in great shape and ensure the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our team at Bowe Orthodontics. We’re here to help you every step of the way!