How To Take Care of Braces | Murrysville, Munhall, Penn Hills & Elizabeth, PA - Signature Orthodontics

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Life With Braces

How to guide for supporting your smile transformation

Everything you need to know to ensure on-schedule, striking results

Once your braces are on, taking proper care of them is key to making your treatment smooth and successful. Here’s your go-to guide:

Don’t worry, you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.

  • Sticky foods (caramel, gum)
  • Hard items (nuts, popcorn, ice)
  • Chewy foods (bagels, licorice)
  • Crunchy snacks (chips, hard pretzels)
  • Anything you bite directly into (corn on the cob, apples, carrots)
  • Soft dairy and cooked veggies
  • Tender meats and pasta
  • Smoothies, bananas, and soft bread
  • Ice cream and pudding (in moderation!)

Brush after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush. Aim for 2 full minutes and focus on brackets and wires.

Floss daily with a floss threader or special orthodontic floss. You can also try a water flosser for extra convenience.

Mild discomfort is normal for a few days after adjustments. Rinse with warm salt water and stick to soft foods. Slightly loose teeth? That means things are moving, just as planned.

If a wire is poking or a bracket comes loose, place wax over the spot and call us. You can use a pencil eraser to gently nudge a wire back in place.

Wearing rubber bands, retainers, or other appliances as directed keeps your treatment on track. If it’s broken or lost, let us know right away.

You can still play sports—just wear a mouthguard. If you get hit, check your mouth and appliance for damage and give us a call.

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