Life With Braces
How do I clean my braces?
You should brush thoroughly in the morning, before bedtime, and about 20 minutes after each meal. Waiting 20 minutes post-meal helps neutralize the acids formed from eating, reducing the risk of enamel damage.
Use the regular toothbrush as usual. The end-tufted brush is helpful for removing larger food particles from around the brackets, and is particularly effective for cleaning around partially erupted or wisdom teeth. The small interdental brush (or superfloss) serves as regular floss, cleaning between each tooth. The larger interdental brush should be used under the wire, cleaning around the vertical parts of the bracket. Lastly, the fluoridated mouthwash is an excellent addition to decrease the risk of tooth decay. It's especially useful at night or when thorough brushing isn't possible due to time or location constraints. For convenience, consider having two sets of these cleaning tools - one for home use and another portable set, perhaps in a pencil case, for on-the-go.
How do I clean my braces?
Maintaining cleanliness around your braces is crucial for oral health. When your braces are first fitted, the orthodontic team will guide you on how to care for them. However, if you ever encounter difficulty in keeping your teeth and braces clean, don't hesitate to seek advice from your orthodontic team. It's essential to avoid ending up with straight but discoloured or decayed teeth! Properly cleaning your teeth during brace treatment requires extra tools and a bit more time. Dedicate around 3-4 minutes for thorough cleaning, which can be a great opportunity to listen to your favourite song on Spotify or YouTube.
For cleaning around Fixed Braces (commonly known as train-tracks) or Fixed Retainers (a wire glued behind the front teeth to maintain straightness post-braces), you'll need:
- A regular toothbrush with a small head and medium to soft bristles.
- A single-tufted brush.
- Interdental brushes in at least two sizes (small and large).
- Superfloss, which can be an alternative to the small interdental brush.
- A daily fluoridated mouthwash.
You should brush thoroughly in the morning, before bedtime, and about 20 minutes after each meal. Waiting 20 minutes post-meal helps neutralize the acids formed from eating, reducing the risk of enamel damage.
Use the regular toothbrush as usual. The end-tufted brush is helpful for removing larger food particles from around the brackets, and is particularly effective for cleaning around partially erupted or wisdom teeth. The small interdental brush (or superfloss) serves as regular floss, cleaning between each tooth. The larger interdental brush should be used under the wire, cleaning around the vertical parts of the bracket. Lastly, the fluoridated mouthwash is an excellent addition to decrease the risk of tooth decay. It's especially useful at night or when thorough brushing isn't possible due to time or location constraints. For convenience, consider having two sets of these cleaning tools - one for home use and another portable set, perhaps in a pencil case, for on-the-go.
10 Key Tips for Eating with Braces
Your orthodontic journey is a time of change, especially in your diet. Here are some tips to make eating with braces easier:
- Cut food into small pieces to avoid biting with front teeth.
- Choose soft foods, especially after adjustments.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods to reduce sensitivity.
- Steer clear of sticky foods; opt for sugar-free gum if necessary.
- Chew slowly and gently.
- Avoid hard foods; cook or slice them into smaller pieces.
- Swish water around your mouth after eating to dislodge food particles.
- Carry a travel toothbrush or consider a water flosser for easy cleaning.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and clean your mouth.
- Follow your orthodontist's advice for food choices and brace care.
What foods can I eat with braces?
Braces involve delicate parts that can be affected by certain foods. Some foods not only risk damaging these components but also pose a threat to oral health if particles get trapped.
Adjusting to Braces: Soft Foods for Sensitive Days When you first get braces, your mouth might be tender. It's great if you can eat normally, as this can speed up the adjustment process. If not, consider these soft food options to ease discomfort:
- Porridge: Nutritious and gentle on sensitive teeth.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft and protein-rich.
- Soups: Choose warm (not hot) varieties for comfort.
- Pasta: Go for softer textures.
- Seafood: Look for easy-to-flake fish types.
- Soft Vegetables: Opt for steamed or boiled for nutrients without the crunch.
- Mashed Potatoes: A smooth and satisfying option.
- Soft Cheeses: Tasty and calcium-rich, ideal for brace wearers.
- Bananas: Naturally soft and sweet.
- Yogurt: A creamy choice suitable for any time.
- Ice Cream: The cold can help alleviate discomfort from braces.
Foods to Be Cautious with Initially Right after getting braces, some foods may increase sensitivity or be difficult to manage:
- Chewy Breads/Rolls: These might be too tough and could risk dislodging brackets.
- Tough Meats: Might be challenging to chew initially.
Foods to Avoid Altogether with Braces To ensure a smooth journey to a healthier smile, avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or tough to bite into as they can damage your braces and extend treatment duration:
- Hard Sweets: They're a threat to both braces and teeth.
- Corn on the Cob, Whole Apples: Biting into these can damage braces.
- Sticky Sweets: Like taffy and caramel, these stick to braces.
- Popcorn: The kernels are particularly bad for braces.
- Nuts: Their hardness is risky.
- Uncooked Crunchy Veggies/Fruits: They can exert too much pressure.
- Hard Pizza Crust and Bagels: Their toughness can be a challenge.
- Ice: Chewing on ice is risky.
- Snack Chips, Pretzels: These hard snacks can break brackets or wires.
FAQs
The initial discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a week. Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage this discomfort.
Most patients begin to feel more comfortable after about a month, as they adjust to the new sensations of having braces.
Getting braces put on does not typically cause pain, though some soreness after the appointment as teeth adjust is normal.
Try using an orthodontic pillow, applying orthodontic wax, and considering over-the-counter pain relief before bed.
Yes, especially if treatment addresses significant bite or jaw alignment issues, leading to subtle changes in face shape.
Yes, by correcting misalignments, braces can change the jawline, contributing to a more balanced and functional bite.
Your lips will adjust over time, with initial discomfort diminishing as your mouth adapts to the braces.
After the initial adjustment period, most patients hardly notice their braces in their daily lives.
It gets easier as you adapt, starting with soft foods and gradually learning how to manage more challenging foods.
Begin Your Journey
Discuss your goals with one of our specialist orthodontists to find out what treatment option suits you best. We offer complimentary online consultations for all patients.
