Taking care of your orthodontic appliances is an important part of keeping your treatment on track and maintaining a healthy, confident smile. Below are answers to some of the questions our patients ask most often.
Simple tips for keeping your braces clean, comfortable, and in great condition throughout treatment.
Brush your teeth after every meal and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Take your time cleaning around each bracket, wire, and along the gumline to remove food and plaque.
Floss at least once a day using floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser. Cleaning between your teeth and around your braces helps prevent cavities, plaque buildup, and gum problems during treatment.
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage your braces.
Try to avoid:
Soft foods are always the safest choice after adjustments.
Yes. Mild soreness is common after getting braces or following an adjustment appointment. The discomfort usually lasts a few days and can often be relieved by eating soft foods, rinsing with warm salt water, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
Some slight tooth movement can be normal during orthodontic treatment. Braces gradually move your teeth into healthier positions, which can temporarily make them feel slightly loose. If you notice significant movement, pain, or anything that concerns you, contact our office.
If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and contact our office. Avoid pulling on or attempting to repair the bracket yourself. Our team can let you know whether you need an appointment for a repair.
You can place orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to reduce irritation. If the wire continues to bother you, contact our office so we can determine the best way to help. Avoid cutting or adjusting the wire yourself unless our team has specifically instructed you to do so.
Wear your elastics exactly as instructed by your orthodontist. We generally recommend wearing them as close to 24 hours a day as possible, except when eating and brushing or flossing, unless your orthodontist gives you different instructions. Consistent elastic wear is important for keeping treatment on schedule.
Yes! You can continue playing sports while wearing braces. We recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports to help protect your braces, teeth, cheeks, and lips from injury.
As a general rule, it's best to avoid chewing gum while wearing braces because it can stick to brackets and wires and may increase the risk of damage. If your orthodontist approves sugar-free gum, chew carefully and stop if you notice any wire or bracket problems.
We generally recommend waiting until your braces treatment is complete before whitening your teeth. Whitening during treatment can result in uneven coloring because the areas underneath the brackets are not exposed to the whitening product. Ask our team about whitening options once your braces are removed.
Helpful tips for wearing, cleaning, and caring for your aligners throughout treatment.
Wear your clear aligners for the number of hours recommended by your orthodontist. In many cases, this means approximately 20–22 hours per day. Consistent wear helps keep your treatment progressing as planned.
Put your aligners back in as soon as you remember and continue following your normal wear schedule. If you frequently forget to wear them or have missed a significant amount of wear time, contact our office for guidance.
Clean your aligners regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water because it can warp the plastic. Follow your orthodontist's specific instructions for cleaning products or solutions.
Remove your aligners before eating unless your orthodontist has given you different instructions. Drinking water while wearing your aligners is generally fine. Clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in whenever possible.
Contact our office as soon as possible. Your orthodontist can determine whether you should wear a previous aligner, move to the next one, or take another step based on your treatment plan.
Learn how to properly wear, clean, and care for your retainers to protect your results.
Clean your retainer daily with cool water and a soft toothbrush. A small amount of mild soap can also be used. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the material. When you're not wearing your retainer, keep it in its protective case.
Follow the wearing schedule provided by your orthodontist. Retainer instructions can vary depending on your treatment and individual needs. Consistent retainer wear is important for maintaining your results.
Contact our office as soon as possible if you lose your retainer. Teeth can begin shifting when a retainer isn't worn, so replacing it promptly can help protect your orthodontic results.
Don't force a broken or tight retainer into place. Contact our office so we can determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. Bring the retainer with you if you're scheduled for an appointment.
It's generally best to remove removable retainers before eating. Store your retainer safely in its case while you eat, then brush or rinse your teeth before putting it back in.
Our team is always happy to help. If you're unsure how to care for your braces, clear aligners, or retainers—or if something doesn't feel right—please contact our office. We're here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile throughout your orthodontic journey.