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What Are the Do's & Don'ts of Braces?

Dental braces are used to realign teeth, correct bite problems, close gaps and straighten crooked teeth. Traditional braces are made of steel attached to the teeth via special cements and wires, but new plastic or ceramic braces are sometimes used as a less-visible alternative. Take care of your braces by keeping all orthodontic appointments and following your orthodontist's instructions for home care. Not taking proper care of your braces can result in improper tooth alignment, tooth decay, costly repairs and a longer duration of time for wearing them.

  1. Food and Drink

    • Avoid brittle, chewy and sticky foods. Brittle foods, such as hard candies, nuts, popcorn and crunchy tortilla chips, may damage braces. Cut raw fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples into small pieces before chewing. Gum, licorice, taffy and other sticky foods may bend braces or wedge between them. Additionally, sugary and acidic drinks should be avoided, as they can lead to cavities and erode tooth enamel.

    Cleaning

    • Individuals with braces are often at risk for cavities, as foods may lodge in and under braces. In addition to morning and night cleaning, brush and floss after every meal to remove all food particles. If you have problems flossing with braces, ask your orthodontist or dentist for help with flossing techniques.

    Habits

    • If you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing on things, now is the time to stop. Nail biting, opening things with your teeth, chewing on pens or pencils and even chewing ice may damage your braces. Additionally, biting your lips may cause sores as the inside of your mouth rubs against the braces.

    Pain Relief

    • Braces use force to straighten your teeth, and your orthodontist tightens your braces at regular appointments as your teeth shift. The process may cause soreness and irritation as your teeth adjust. If you have pain, ask your orthodontist to recommend an over-the-counter pain medication. The pain usually fades a few days after an adjustment. If you have the end of a wire poking into your gums or mouth, the Mayo Clinic suggests gently pushing the wire away with a pencil eraser or covering the area with wax. Your orthodontist will have dental wax for such occasions.

    Repair

    • Never attempt to repair broken or damaged braces at home. Not only can this harm your teeth, it may result in costly repairs. Most orthodontic plans cover normal repair. However, if your try and repair it yourself, you may have to pay for any damage you did while trying fix the problem. If you do damage your braces, don't wait for your next orthodontist appointment. Call the orthodontist or your dentist immediately to get in earlier.

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