Braces After Care Guide

• Rinse and brush carefully: After removing your braces, your teeth and gums could feel sensitive. Avoid forceful brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. To minimise inflammation, rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

• Avoid certain foods: During the first few days after your braces are removed, stick to eating softer foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Keep away from eating hard or sticky foods that could harm your teeth or get stuck in your metal braces.

• Use a retainer: Your orthodontist will most likely offer you a retainer to wear following your braces treatment. Obey the instructions for wearing and caring for your retainer carefully to maintain the results of your treatment.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Maintain your orthodontist's scheduled follow-up appointments. This allows them to monitor your teeth's progress and make any necessary modifications.

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Continue brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing daily. Pay additional attention to cleaning around the brackets and wires, as they can easily collect food particles and bacteria.

• Regular dental checkups: See your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and checkups. They can help detect any issues early on and ensure your teeth stay healthy after braces treatment.

• Healthy diet: Maintain a healthy diet by limiting sugary foods and fruit juice, which can erode enamel and cause cavities. Instead, opt for crunchy foods like raw carrots that naturally clean teeth and stimulate gums, promoting oral health.

• Retainer care: If you have a removable retainer, clean it regularly and follow the guidelines provided by your orthodontist. For fixed retainers, continue brushing and flossing carefully around them.

In addition to your oral hygiene practice, there are specific steps to care for braces and keep them in good condition. The following are some important tips to remember:

• Regular cleaning: Regularly cleaning your braces is one of the most important steps in caring for them. Brush your teeth after every meal to take out any food particles stuck in your braces. Use interdental or orthodontic brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas around the braces and wires.

• Avoid damaging foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. These include foods like caramel, popcorn, and chewing gums. Also, avoid biting into hard foods like apples or corn on the cob; instead, slice them into manageable pieces.

• Protect your braces: If you are involved in sports or similar activities, use a mouthguard. This can help protect your fixed braces and your mouth from potential injury.

• Regular orthodontist visits: Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial to ensure your braces are in good condition. They can adjust your braces, fix any broken parts and advise you on further care necessary for your braces.

How Soon After Getting Braces Can I Resume My Normal Diet?

Resuming your normal diet after getting braces largely depends on your comfort levels. While some people adapt quickly and can return to their normal routine within a few days, others may require up to a week to acclimatise.

You may find it easier to consume softer foods at first as you become acclimated to chewing with braces. Gradually, you can reintroduce harder and crunchy foods into your diet. Remember that some foods can damage your braces, so be mindful of your diet to prevent complications.

Is It Normal To Feel Discomfort After Getting Braces?

Yes, it's normal to experience some discomfort after getting braces. You may feel pressure on your teeth and slight irritation to your lips or gums as they adjust to the braces. Orthodontic wax can help relieve irritation from braces rubbing against your gums or mouth.

Simply apply a small amount of dental wax to the part of the braces, driving discomfort. Over time, your mouth will get used to the braces, and any initial discomfort should subside. However, if the discomfort persists, be sure to notify your orthodontist.

How Often Should I Clean My Braces?

Brushing your braces should be a habitual part of your dental hygiene routine. Ideally, you should clean your braces after every meal to pull out any food particles that may be trapped. This typically translates to at least three times daily - morning, after lunch, and before bed.

Brush gently around each bracket using a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging the braces. Flossing daily is also highly recommended. Use a floss threader to reach under the wires and between the teeth for thorough cleaning.

What Should I Do if a Bracket or Wire Breaks?

If a bracket or wire breaks, don't panic. It's a common occurrence in the life of braces wearers. Initially, apply orthodontic wax to any sharp edges to prevent cuts or irritation. Contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule a repair appointment.

Avoid trying to fix the issue yourself to prevent further damage. Between the break and your appointment, maintain a soft food diet to avoid causing more harm to the braces or your mouth. It's crucial to get a broken bracket or wire fixed quickly to keep your treatment on track.

How Long Will I Wear a Retainer After My Braces Are Removed?

The duration for which you need to wear a retainer after the removal of braces is specific to each individual's treatment plan. But generally, orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time for at least six months. After this period, you can often transition to wearing the retainer only at night.

However, it's important to follow your orthodontist's advice because every case is unique. In many cases, long-term or even lifetime retainer use may be suggested to ensure the stability of your new smile. This helps maintain the alignment and prevent a relapse of your orthodontic treatment.