Caring for Your Braces or Aligners

The daily choices you make between appointments have a big influence on how treatment goes. Brackets and trays create new places for plaque to hide, some foods can break appliances, and a little soreness is normal after changes. This guide covers the habits that help keep teeth healthy and treatment on schedule, whether you’re wearing braces or clear aligners.

Brushing With Braces

Food and plaque collect easily around brackets and under wires, so brushing takes a bit more time and attention than before. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste are a good starting point. Angle the bristles toward the gumline, then work above and below each bracket so every surface gets cleaned. Many patients like to brush after meals and snacks, since food trapped in braces can sit against the teeth for hours.

Small interdental brushes help reach the spaces between brackets and under the wire. Check your teeth in the mirror when you’re done, looking for any leftover food or a dull film near the brackets. Small habits like these add up to healthier teeth with braces from start to finish.

Flossing Around Wires

Flossing is harder with braces, but it still matters. Floss threaders, orthodontic floss with a stiff end, or a water flosser can make the job easier. Guide the floss under the wire, then clean along both sides of each tooth and just below the gumline. Skipping this step can let gums become red, puffy, or tender, and the practice blog explains how to prevent gingivitis before it takes hold.

Foods to Skip With Braces

Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can loosen brackets or bend wires, which may mean extra visits and a longer treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists lists caramels, taffy, hard candy, chewy candy, jellybeans, licorice, bubble gum, popcorn, and nuts among the treats to avoid. Beyond candy, it helps to watch out for the following.

• Ice, which can crack brackets when chewed
• Whole apples, raw carrots, and corn on the cob, which are easier to eat sliced or cut off the cob
• Crusty bread, bagels, and hard pretzels
• Chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails

Sugary and acidic drinks deserve caution too, since they can contribute to cavities and marks on the enamel around brackets. Softer options like pasta, yogurt, eggs, and chocolate without nuts or caramel are generally easier on appliances, and planning meals this way is a big part of caring for traditional braces day to day.

Caring for Clear Aligners

Aligners bring a different set of habits. The AAO’s guide to clear aligner therapy recommends drinking only water while trays are in, since other drinks can get trapped against the teeth and stain the aligners or contribute to cavities. It also advises brushing after eating or drinking before putting aligners back in, and storing them in their case rather than wrapping them in a napkin.

Rinse aligners whenever you take them out, and clean them gently each day with a soft brush and cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can warp the plastic. Keep the case with you, and keep trays away from pets, who often find them tempting. If a tray is lost or cracked, contact the office promptly for next steps.

Managing Soreness

Most patients feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days after braces are placed, after an adjustment, or when switching to a new set of aligners. Soft foods help during that time, and many patients find cold drinks or smoothies soothing. Ask your orthodontist whether an over-the-counter pain reliever is appropriate for you. Orthodontic wax can cover a bracket that’s rubbing the inside of your cheek or lip, and the irritation usually eases as your mouth adjusts. Knowing what to expect in the first weeks makes that adjustment period much less stressful.

If a wire is poking you or a bracket comes loose, our guide to orthodontic emergencies explains what you can handle at home and when to call.

Keep Up With Dental Visits

Regular cleanings with your general dentist remain important throughout treatment. Professional cleanings reach areas that are difficult to clean at home, and your dentist can spot early signs of cavities or gum irritation. Tell your hygienist you’re in orthodontic treatment so they can work around your appliances.

Protecting Your Results Afterward

Good habits don’t stop when braces come off or the last aligner is finished. Retainers need daily cleaning too, and our guide to retainers explains how to care for them.

Questions About Your Routine?

Questions about brushing, food, or aligner care are always welcome at your appointments. Dr. John Redmond completed his orthodontic training at the University of Southern California and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the California Dental Association. If you’re comparing options with a San Clemente orthodontist, request an appointment for a complimentary consultation.

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