How to Care for Your Braces: Tips from a Lubbock Orthodontist

Embarking on your orthodontic journey with braces is an exciting step toward achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, it’s crucial to maintain proper care for your braces to ensure the best possible results. At Sperry, Tivis & Wentz Family Orthodontics in Lubbock, TX, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here are some essential tips on how to care for your braces.

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is paramount when you have braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and staining if not removed thoroughly.

Brushing

• Frequency: Brush your teeth at least three times a day — after each meal and before bed.
• Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush at 45 degrees to clean around the brackets and wires effectively. Brush gently but thoroughly for two minutes, ensuring you clean all surfaces of your teeth and braces.
• Tools: Consider using an orthodontic toothbrush, which has a V-shape to clean around brackets and wires more effectively.

Flossing

• Frequency: Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and under the gumline.
• Tools: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around the braces. Interdental brushes and water flossers can also be helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

2. Avoid Certain Foods

While wearing braces, it’s essential to avoid foods that can damage the brackets and wires or get stuck in your braces.

Hard Foods

Examples: Nuts, hard candies, ice, and raw vegetables (e.g., carrots).

Alternative: Cut hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces or cook them to soften.

Sticky Foods

• Examples: Chewing gum, taffy, caramel, and gummy candies.
• Alternative: Opt for softer snacks that won’t stick to your braces.

Sugary Foods & Beverages

• Examples: Soda, sugary snacks, and sweetened drinks.
• Alternative: Choose water, milk, and healthier snack options like fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Protect Your Braces During Physical Activity

If you participate in sports or physical activities, it’s important to protect your braces from potential damage.

Mouthguards

• Use: Wear a mouthguard to shield your braces and teeth from impact during sports or other vigorous activities. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort.
• Availability: Ask Dr. Wentz about getting a custom mouthguard designed specifically for your orthodontic needs.

4. Handle Orthodontic Emergencies Promptly

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter some issues with your braces. Knowing how to handle minor orthodontic emergencies can prevent further complications and discomfort.

Loose Brackets or Bands

Solution: If a bracket or band becomes loose, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair. In the meantime, use dental wax to cover any sharp edges that may irritate your mouth.

Poking Wires

Solution: If a wire is poking and causing discomfort, use a clean pair of nail clippers to trim the wire carefully. Apply dental wax to any sharp ends until you can visit our office.

Soreness or Discomfort

Solution: It’s common to experience some soreness after adjustments. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Eating soft foods can also help alleviate discomfort.

5. Attend Regular Orthodontic Appointments

Consistent follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments to your braces.

Attend appointments every 4-8 weeks, as recommended by Dr. Wentz:

• Adjustments: These visits allow us to adjust your braces, track your progress, and address any concerns you may have.
• Progress Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure that your treatment is proceeding as planned and that your teeth are moving correctly.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward a beautiful smile with braces, request a consultation with Sperry, Tivis & Wentz Family Orthodontics in Lubbock, TX. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process and provide the support you need to care for your braces effectively.