Congratulations on starting your journey to a perfect smile! This guide will help you care for your braces throughout treatment for the best results.

The First Days

It’s normal to feel some discomfort while you adapt to your braces

Initial discomfort: You’ll feel pressure and sensitivity in your teeth for 3-5 days. This is completely normal and means the braces are working.
Lip and cheek irritation: Braces may rub against soft tissues at first. Use the orthodontic wax we provided to protect sensitive areas.
Difficulty eating: During the first few days, opt for soft foods. Gradually you’ll be able to eat more normally (with some exceptions).
Speaking differently: You may notice a slight change when speaking. This is temporary and your tongue will adapt in a few days.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Cleaning is VERY important. Braces accumulate more food debris and bacterial plaque

Brush after every meal: Brush your teeth after every meal, at least 3 times a day for 2-3 minutes. Use a soft-bristle brush or one special for orthodontics.
Correct technique: Brush at a 45° angle toward the gum, then toward the bracket. Clean above, below, and around each bracket individually.
Interdental brush: Use interdental brushes to clean between brackets and under the wire where a regular brush can’t reach.
Floss or irrigator: A water flosser is your best ally. It removes food debris from hard-to-reach areas. If using floss, use a special orthodontic threader.
Mouthwash: Complement with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Avoid alcohol-based rinses.

Eating with Braces

Some foods can damage or loosen your brackets. Know which ones to avoid!

Safe Foods

Soft fruits (banana, grapes, strawberries)
Cooked or steamed vegetables
Well-cooked pasta and rice
Soft bread (without hard crust)
Eggs in any preparation
Fish and chicken in pieces
Yogurt and soft cheeses
Soups and creams

Foods to Avoid

Gum and sticky candies
Popcorn
Whole nuts and seeds
Ice (don’t bite it)
Whole apples and carrots
Hard crust bread / toast
Corn on the cob
Tough or fibrous meat

Important tip

You CAN eat hard fruits and vegetables, but cut them into small pieces instead of biting directly.

Important Habits

Do

Brush after every meal
Use wax if there’s irritation
Carry a cleaning kit with you
Cut food into small pieces
Attend all your appointments
Use a mouthguard for sports

Don’t

Bite pens, nails, or pencils
Eat hard or sticky foods
Bite ice or hard candies
Skip adjustment appointments
Try to adjust braces yourself
Ignore a loose or broken bracket

Orthodontic Wax

Your best ally against irritation

When to use it?

When a bracket or wire is causing irritation, sores, or discomfort to lips, cheeks, or tongue.

How to apply it?

Dry the bracket with a tissue. 2) Take a piece of wax the size of a pea. 3) Roll it with your fingers until soft. 4) Press onto the bracket that’s bothering you.

Is it safe to swallow?

Yes, orthodontic wax is completely safe if swallowed accidentally. It’s non-toxic.

If you have sores, you can rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water) to help heal faster.

Common Problems and Solutions

Loose or detached bracket: Don’t try to glue it yourself. If it’s still on the wire, leave it there and cover with wax. Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Poking wire: Cover the tip with orthodontic wax. If it’s too long, you can try gently bending it toward the tooth with a pencil eraser. If you can’t, contact us.
Rubber band fell off: It’s not urgent, but schedule an appointment soon. Without the band, the bracket isn’t exerting the correct force on your tooth.
Pain after adjustment: It’s normal to feel discomfort 2-3 days after each adjustment. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and eat soft foods.

Your Follow-up Appointments

Regular appointments are ESSENTIAL for treatment success. At each visit we adjust the wires and verify everything is progressing correctly.

Generally every 4-6 weeks
Don’t postpone or skip them
Missing appointments extends treatment
Each adjustment brings you closer to your ideal smile

A braces treatment that should last 18 months can extend to 24 months or more if you don’t attend appointments or follow instructions.

When to Contact Us?

Call us if you experience any of these situations:

A bracket came off completely
The wire came out of the last bracket
You have severe pain that doesn’t subside with painkillers
A piece of the appliance broke
You have a large sore that doesn’t improve in 1 week
You notice something unusual in your treatment

Your Journey with Braces

Typical treatment lasts between 12 and 24 months. Here’s what you can expect:

Week 1-2 · Adaptation: Discomfort, sensitivity, and adapting to speaking and eating. It’s temporary!
Month 1-3 · First changes: You’ll start noticing small movements. Hygiene becomes routine.
Month 4-12 · Active alignment: Teeth move to their correct positions. You’ll see noticeable changes.
Month 12-24 · Refinement: Fine adjustments for a perfect bite and final details.
End of treatment · Your new smile! We remove braces and place retainers to maintain results.

Braces Care