How to Care for Your Braces: Tips for a Smooth Treatment

Starting braces is an exciting milestone on the path to a healthier, more confident smile. However, achieving the best possible outcome takes more than simply wearing your braces. Taking good care of your brackets and wires throughout treatment plays a key role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, preventing delays, and ensuring your new smile looks amazing once treatment is complete.

At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Nielson and Dr. Bingham are committed to helping patients in Naples succeed from day one. Before leaving your bonding appointment, you’ll receive detailed instructions, helpful tips, and the resources you need to confidently care for your braces throughout your orthodontic journey.

Brushing with Braces

Braces create more surfaces where food and plaque can hide, which means brushing becomes even more important. Here’s how to do it right:

• Brush after every meal and before bed — at least four times a day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
• Brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the brackets and wires
• Spend at least two full minutes brushing each session
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to protect enamel

An orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle design can make brushing around brackets much easier.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing with braces is a bit trickier, but it’s non-negotiable. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to guide floss under the wire and between each tooth. Water flossers (like a Waterpik) are also a great tool for rinsing out debris around brackets. Aim to floss at least once a day.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can break brackets, bend wires, and extend your treatment time. During orthodontic treatment, steer clear of:

• Hard foods: ice, hard candy, nuts, raw carrots, crusty bread
• Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, gummy candy, chewing gum
• Chewy foods: bagels, beef jerky, tough meats
• Crunchy snacks: popcorn, pretzels, chips

Cut harder foods like apples and corn into small pieces before eating. Your braces will thank you!

What to Do If Something Breaks

Broken brackets and poking wires happen occasionally, even when you’re careful. If a bracket breaks or a wire pokes your cheek, call our office right away at 303.248.7200. We’ll schedule a repair appointment and advise you on how to manage any discomfort in the meantime (a small piece of orthodontic wax over a poking wire works wonders).

Keep Your Appointments

Regular adjustment appointments every 6 to 8 weeks are essential to keeping your treatment on track. Don’t skip them! Each visit allows Dr. Nielson and Dr. Bingham to check your progress, make adjustments, and ensure everything is moving according to plan.