All About Braces Care and Oral Hygiene
Proper care during orthodontic treatment helps ensure your teeth move efficiently and remain healthy throughout the process. At Obaisi Orthodontics in Chicago, Dr. Noor Obaisi and our team provide guidance on daily habits that protect your braces and keep your smile on track.
How Should You Brush and Floss with Braces?
Brushing and flossing are especially important when you have braces. Brackets and wires can trap food and plaque, which makes maintaining good oral hygiene essential for preventing cavities and gum irritation during treatment.
Patients should brush after every meal and floss daily to remove food particles that may collect around the brackets and wires. In some cases, patients may need more frequent dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of gum disease may also benefit from regular visits with a periodontist while wearing braces.
Maintaining consistent oral hygiene helps keep your teeth and gums healthy while ensuring the best orthodontic results.
What Foods Should You Avoid with Braces?
One of the most common questions patients ask is what they can eat while wearing braces. During the first day or two after an adjustment, soft foods are usually the most comfortable. As your mouth adjusts, most foods can be enjoyed again with a few precautions.
To protect your braces and prevent damage, it is best to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or overly chewy.
Foods to avoid include:
- Chewy foods such as bagels, hard rolls, or licorice
- Crunchy foods such as popcorn or ice
- Sticky foods like caramels or chewing gum
- Hard foods such as nuts or hard candies
- Foods you must bite directly into, like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob
It is also important to avoid chewing on objects such as pens, pencils, or fingernails. These habits can damage braces and may lead to additional appointments or longer treatment times.
Is Soreness Normal After Getting Braces?
Mild soreness is common when braces are first placed or adjusted. Teeth may feel tender for a few days as they begin to move into their new positions. Most patients find that this discomfort fades within three to five days.
Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help manage temporary soreness. You may also notice that your lips, cheeks, or tongue feel slightly irritated at first. Orthodontic wax can be placed over brackets or wires to reduce irritation while your mouth adjusts.
Why Do Teeth Feel Loose During Orthodontic Treatment?
It is normal for teeth to feel slightly loose during orthodontic treatment. This happens because braces gradually move teeth through the bone into their corrected positions.
Although it may feel unusual, this movement is a natural part of the orthodontic process. Once treatment is complete, the teeth stabilize and become firm again in their new positions.
What Should You Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
Occasionally, a wire or band may loosen during treatment. If a wire begins to irritate the inside of your mouth, you may gently move it back into place using a blunt object such as the eraser end of a pencil.
Orthodontic wax can also be placed over the area to reduce irritation until you are able to visit the office. If the problem continues, contact Obaisi Orthodontics so our team can schedule an appointment to repair the appliance.
Why Is Wearing Rubber Bands Important?
Rubber bands are often an important part of orthodontic treatment. They help guide the teeth and jaws into proper alignment and support the progress made by braces or other appliances.
For treatment to move forward as planned, rubber bands must be worn exactly as instructed. Skipping or forgetting to wear them can slow progress and may extend the length of treatment.
Can You Play Sports While Wearing Braces?
Yes. Patients can continue participating in sports while wearing braces. However, it is important to wear a protective orthodontic mouthguard during any contact sport to help protect your teeth, lips, and orthodontic appliances.
Sports such as football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and hockey can increase the risk of mouth injuries, so a mouthguard adds an extra layer of protection. Even for non-contact sports, a mouthguard can help prevent damage to braces if accidental contact occurs.
If you play sports regularly, Dr. Noor Obaisi can recommend the best type of mouthguard to keep your smile protected while you stay active.
Staying on Track with Orthodontic Care
Following these care guidelines helps keep your treatment progressing smoothly and protects your orthodontic appliances. By maintaining good oral hygiene, following dietary recommendations, and attending regular appointments, you can help ensure the best possible orthodontic results.
If you ever have questions about caring for your braces, the team at Obaisi Orthodontics in Chicago is always here to help.