Smiling patient with braces

Now that you have your braces, how do you care for them properly? It’s important to understand the best ways to maintain your braces throughout your orthodontic journey.

Eating with Braces

Don’t worry—you’ll be enjoying popcorn and snacks again soon! But first, avoid certain foods that might harm your braces or slow your treatment progress.

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Foods to Avoid with Braces

  • Chewy items like bagels and licorice
  • Crunchy snacks such as popcorn, chips, and ice
  • Sticky treats like caramel candies and chewing gum
  • Hard foods including nuts and hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into, like corn on the cob, apples, and carrots

Foods You Can Enjoy with Braces

  • Dairy: soft cheeses, pudding, milkshakes
  • Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, nut-free muffins
  • Grains: pasta, well-cooked rice
  • Meats and Poultry: tender chicken, meatballs, deli meats
  • Seafood: tuna, salmon, crab cakes
  • Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
  • Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juices
  • Treats: soft ice cream without nuts, Jell-O, soft cakes

Managing Soreness from Braces and Appliances

It’s common to feel some tenderness in your teeth and mouth when you first get braces. Many patients tell us this usually eases after a few days. To soothe discomfort, try rinsing with a warm saltwater solution—dissolve a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and swish for a couple of minutes without swallowing.

If soreness persists, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Some irritation of lips, cheeks, and tongue is normal during the first couple of weeks as your mouth adjusts. We’re happy to provide orthodontic wax to shield your braces and ease irritation—just ask us!

Loose Teeth

You might notice your teeth feel a bit loose—that’s expected! Braces gently loosen your teeth so they can shift into the correct positions. Once your treatment progresses, this looseness will disappear.

Loose Wires and Bands

Occasionally, wires or bands may come loose. If this happens, please contact us promptly so we can repair your braces. Save any broken parts and bring them to your appointment.

In the meantime, you can carefully push a loose wire back into place using the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a spoon. If the wire irritates your mouth, apply wax or a wet cotton ball over the area to reduce discomfort.

Care for Your Appliances

Taking good care of your appliances helps keep your treatment on track. Always wear your rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or other devices as prescribed by your orthodontist. Damaged appliances may prolong your treatment time.

Playing Sports with Braces

Great news for athletes! You can keep playing sports during your orthodontic treatment. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. Let us know if you need help selecting the right one.

If you have a sports-related injury, check your mouth and appliances right away. Contact Align Orthodontics Lexington immediately if you notice any loose teeth or damage. You can temporarily ease discomfort with wax or warm saltwater rinses.