All About Braces
Braces are an effective and proven way to straighten teeth, improve bite alignment, and create a healthier smile. At Nudera Orthodontics Group, Dr. James Nudera and Dr. Robert Nudera provide personalized orthodontic care and guide you through every step of your treatment. Understanding how to care for your braces will help ensure the best results and a smooth experience.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
When you have braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever. Food and plaque can easily collect around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.
To keep your smile healthy during treatment:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Pay close attention to cleaning around brackets and along the gumline
- Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic floss
Patients who have difficulty keeping their teeth clean may need more frequent professional cleanings. Consistent oral hygiene helps ensure a healthy, beautiful smile when your braces come off.
Eating with Braces
Adjusting to braces means making a few dietary changes to protect your appliances. During the first few days, softer foods can help reduce discomfort while your mouth adjusts.
Foods to Avoid
To prevent damage to your braces, avoid:
- Chewy foods such as taffy or sticky granola bars
- Crunchy foods like chips or raw vegetables
- Sticky foods like caramel or marshmallows
- Hard foods such as nuts or hard pretzels
- Foods that require biting directly, like whole apples or sandwiches
Avoid chewing on non-food items such as pens or fingernails, as this can damage brackets and wires and delay treatment.
General Soreness
It is normal to experience mild soreness for a few days after getting braces or after adjustments. Your teeth may feel tender, and your lips or cheeks may need time to adjust.
To manage discomfort:
- Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed
- Apply orthodontic wax to areas of irritation
- Stick to soft foods during the adjustment period
This discomfort is temporary and will improve as your mouth adapts.
Loosening of Teeth
During orthodontic treatment, it is normal for teeth to feel slightly loose. This is a natural and necessary part of the process, allowing teeth to move into their proper positions.
Once treatment is complete, your teeth will stabilize and feel secure again.
Handling a Loose Wire or Band
Occasionally, a wire or band may come loose. If this happens:
- Gently reposition the wire using the eraser end of a pencil if possible
- Apply orthodontic wax to reduce irritation
- Contact our office to schedule a repair appointment
Prompt attention helps prevent discomfort and keeps your treatment on track.
Rubber Band Wear
Rubber bands play an important role in correcting your bite and properly aligning your teeth. For best results:
- Wear rubber bands exactly as instructed
- Replace them as directed
- Stay consistent with usage
Following instructions carefully helps avoid delays and ensures efficient treatment progress.
Athletics and Braces
If you play sports, protecting your braces and teeth is essential. We recommend wearing a mouthguard during any contact sports.
A mouthguard helps:
- Protect your teeth and braces from injury
- Reduce the risk of cuts or irritation inside the mouth
If you experience any damage to your braces during sports, contact our office as soon as possible to prevent delays in treatment.