Braces are an effective way to create a healthier, more confident smile, but proper care throughout treatment is essential. At Quad City Orthodontics, Dr. Anne Richards and Dr. Jessica Piepenbrink help patients understand what to expect while wearing braces, including oral hygiene, food choices, soreness management, and protecting orthodontic appliances during everyday activities.
How Should I Brush and Floss With Braces?
Brushing and flossing are especially important during orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires create additional areas where food and plaque can collect.
- Patients should brush after meals whenever possible and floss daily to help prevent cavities and gum irritation
- Good oral hygiene helps keep teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment
- Consistent brushing and flossing help reduce plaque buildup around braces
Quad City Orthodontics partners with Crest through the Ortho Essentials program to provide patients with:
- Oral-B electric toothbrushes
- Flossers
- Mouthwash
- Additional hygiene tools to support healthy brushing and flossing habits during treatment
What Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
Certain foods may damage brackets and wires or increase the risk of tooth decay during orthodontic treatment. Patients should avoid sticky, hard, and overly sugary foods whenever possible to help protect their braces and maintain healthy teeth.
Foods to avoid include:
- Chewy foods like taffy and granola bars
- Crunchy foods such as chips and raw celery
- Sticky foods, including toffee and marshmallows
- Hard foods like jawbreakers and hard pretzels
- Foods that require biting into, such as pears or uncut sandwiches
Cutting harder foods into smaller pieces and choosing softer foods can help reduce stress on braces and make eating more comfortable.
Is Soreness Normal After Getting Braces?
Yes. Mild soreness and tooth sensitivity are common after braces are placed or adjusted. Teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums may need several days to adapt as the teeth begin moving into healthier positions.
Warm saltwater rinses, orthodontic wax, softer foods, and over-the-counter pain relief may help reduce discomfort during the adjustment period. Most patients adapt to braces fairly quickly.
Why Is Good Oral Hygiene Important During Orthodontic Treatment?
Plaque buildup around brackets and wires may increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, bad breath, and permanent white marks on the teeth. Consistent brushing and flossing help protect both the teeth and orthodontic appliances throughout treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene also helps treatment progress more efficiently and supports healthier long-term orthodontic results.
What Should I Do If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
Occasionally, brackets or wires may loosen during orthodontic treatment. If a wire is irritating your mouth, orthodontic wax or the eraser end of a pencil may temporarily help reposition or cover the area until you can visit our office.
If a bracket, band, or wire becomes loose or damaged, contact Quad City Orthodontics so our team can determine whether a repair appointment is needed.
Why Is Wearing Rubber Bands Important?
Rubber bands help move the teeth and jaws into proper alignment in ways braces alone cannot. Wearing elastics exactly as instructed plays a major role in bite correction and treatment efficiency.
Not wearing rubber bands consistently may slow treatment progress and extend overall treatment time.
