Orthodontic Care

Wearing braces requires extra care to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment. Follow these tips daily:

Brushing

• Brush after every meal and before bed (3x/day if possible).
• Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Angle your brush above and below the brackets at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush the chewing surfaces and backs of your teeth as well.

Flossing

• Floss once daily using a:
  • Floss threader
  • Orthodontic floss
  • Water flosser (highly recommended for braces)
• Gently clean between teeth and around braces to remove trapped food.

Water-Pik Use

• Use a water flosser daily, especially after meals.
• Aim at the gumline and between brackets to flush out debris.

Foods to Avoid

• Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage your braces:
• Avoid gum, popcorn, nuts, ice, hard candy, and chewy snacks like caramels.
• Cut hard fruits/veggies (e.g., apples, carrots) into small pieces.

Ortho Emergencies

• If you experience broken brackets, loose wires, or sore spots, call our office promptly.

Consistency is key! Good hygiene now will help ensure beautiful, healthy results when your treatment is complete. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our office.