Orthodontic Tips & Tricks
Expert advice to make your orthodontic treatment easier, faster, and more comfortable!
Make the Most of Your Treatment
These tips come from years of experience helping thousands of patients achieve beautiful smiles. Following this advice will help you get the best results in the shortest time possible - while staying comfortable throughout your journey!
Comfort Tips
Use orthodontic wax for irritation
If brackets or wires are rubbing, apply a small ball of wax over the irritating area. It creates a smooth barrier and provides instant relief.
Stick to soft foods after adjustments
Your teeth may be tender for 2-3 days after appointments. Eat yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, and soup during this time.
Rinse with warm salt water
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish for 30 seconds to soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation.
Use a cold compress for swelling
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your mouth for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb pain.
Treatment Success Tips
Wear your rubber bands consistently
22+ hours per day is critical! Forgetting them even for a day can set back your progress. Keep extras in your bag, car, and locker.
Never miss an appointment
Regular adjustments keep your treatment on schedule. Missing appointments can add months to your treatment time.
Follow all instructions from your orthodontist
If Dr. VandeBerg or Dr. Bingham gives you special instructions, following them exactly ensures the best results.
Keep your teeth super clean
Poor oral hygiene can cause white spots, cavities, or gum disease—which may require pausing your treatment.
Daily Life Hacks
Create a braces care kit
Keep a small bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax, and a mirror in your backpack or locker for after-lunch cleaning.
Set phone reminders
Use your phone to remind you to change rubber bands, take medication, or brush after meals.
Take before and during photos
Document your smile transformation! You'll love looking back at how far you've come.
Keep a water bottle handy
Swishing water after eating helps remove food particles when you can't brush right away.
Sports & Activities
Always wear a mouthguard
Protect your braces and teeth during contact sports. We provide custom orthodontic mouthguards designed to fit over braces.
Remove aligners for swimming
If you wear clear aligners, take them out before swimming in chlorinated pools to prevent discoloration.
Pack your retainer for sleepovers
Don't skip wearing your retainer just because you're away from home. Keep your case with you always!
Emergency Prevention
Cut food into small pieces
Never bite directly into apples, carrots, corn on the cob, or hard bread. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces first.
Avoid the "forbidden foods"
No hard candy, ice, popcorn, nuts, gum, or sticky candy. These cause 90% of broken brackets!
Don't use your teeth as tools
Never open packages, bite nails, chew on pens, or use your teeth for anything other than eating soft foods.
Check your braces daily
Look in the mirror each morning to make sure everything looks normal. Catching issues early prevents emergencies.
Clear Aligner Tips
Wear aligners 22 hours per day
Only remove them for eating and brushing. The more you wear them, the faster and better your results.
Keep your previous set
If you lose or break your current aligners, you can wear the previous set while waiting for replacements.
Clean aligners twice daily
Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Never use toothpaste - it's too abrasive.
Remove aligners before eating or drinking
Only water is safe to drink with aligners in. Everything else can stain them or cause cavities.
Bonus Tip: Stay Positive!
Remember, your orthodontic treatment is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for the rest of your life. Every day brings you closer to the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!
"The time will pass anyway - you might as well end up with an amazing smile!" - Dr. VandeBerg
Questions About Your Treatment?
Our team is always here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need advice or support.