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Caring for your Braces

Want to understand more about how to look after your braces and teeth during orthodontic treatment? We've collated our top tips for ensuring your best smile.

Do's

Do try to take small mouthfuls when eating. If you put too much food in your mouth at one time, you could run the risk of damaging your braces.
Do brush after EVERY meal, including snacks. This is very important as otherwise plaque can build up and cause cavities.
Do use disclosing tablets. These can help you identify which parts of your teeth need some extra brushing.
Do floss. This may seem odd as surely you can't floss with braces on your teeth? The answer is you can, and we'll show you how.
Do attend all of your appointments with both your dentist and your orthodontist during your treatment time. This is important for the success of your treatment.

Looking after your braces

Don'ts

Don't eat hard or sticky food as this can break your braces. See our guide on eating with braces.
Don't bite your nails. This habit can cause your braces to break, which could lengthen your treatment time. Avoid chewing on the ends of pens and pencils too.
Don't try to fix your braces by yourself if they have broken. Book an emergency appointment ASAP and use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges until your orthodontist can see you.
Don't play with your braces. Once you get used to wearing them, which should only take a few days, leave them to do their job. This will help ensure your treatment stays on track.
Play sport, particularly contact sport, without wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces.

Looking after your braces

What to eat

Smoothies, but avoid ones with seeds in, particularly strawberry seeds
Fresh fruit and vegetables, but make sure they are cut into bite sized pieces
Meat, but cut it up or pull it off the bone and shred it
Soup
Water

Eating with braces

What not to eat

Hard, sticky sweets like toffee
Hard breads and crusts, like bagels or pizza crusts
Corn on the cob. Cut the kernels off first.
Sugary drinks
Popcorn

Eating with braces

Brush after every meal, or if you can't brush your teeth be sure to chew some sugar free gum.
Floss your teeth and use a mouthwash as part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Check to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
Use an electric toothbrush as these are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth.
Limit the amount of food and drink that could stain your teeth, such as tea and coffee, red wine and curries.

Looking after your teeth

Quit smoking.
See your dentist for a check-up every six months. This applies when you're having orthodontic treatment too.
Look out for signs of gum disease (gingivitis). These include swollen and painful gums, bleeding after brushing and loose teeth.
Always wear a mouthguard when playing sport to protect your teeth.
Come and see us at The Straight Smile Centre to see how we can straighten your teeth.

Looking after your teeth