Home Care Instructions

Welcome to your go-to resource for orthodontic home care! Whether you just got braces or are in the middle of your treatment, we’re here to make sure you feel confident every step of the way. Below you’ll find tips and answers to keep your smile healthy and treatment on track.

A young woman with long dark hair smiling and pointing at her braces with both hands, wearing a pink long-sleeve shirt, against a blue background.

🧼 How to Keep Your Braces Clean

Proper brushing and flossing is key to a successful treatment and healthy smile.

Brushing Tips:

Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Use fluoride toothpaste and angle your brush toward your gums and brackets
Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue!

Flossing Tips:

Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get behind the wires
Water flossers can be a great help too

A wooden table with various breakfast ingredients including strawberries, peaches, a soft-boiled egg, cooked spaghetti, white rice, broccoli, a wheel of brie cheese, green smoothie, yogurt, and a bowl of white sauce.

🍎 What to Eat & What to Avoid

Your diet makes a big difference in protecting your braces and teeth.

✅ Safe to Eat:
Soft fruits, cooked veggies, pasta, yogurt, rice, eggs, smoothies, soft cheeses

🚫 Avoid These:
Hard candies, popcorn, gum, chewy/sticky sweets, ice, nuts, chips, crusty bread

A young woman at a dental appointment, touching her chin, looking concerned, with a dentist holding a dental mirror nearby.

🩹 Soreness or Irritation?

It’s normal to feel some discomfort, especially after getting braces or an adjustment.

For Soreness:

Eat soft foods for a few days
Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
Rinse with warm salt water

For Irritated Lips or Cheeks:

Apply orthodontic wax to any rough spots on your brackets or wires

A dental professional in purple gloves is placing braces on a patient's teeth using dental tools.

🛠️ If Something Breaks

Don’t panic! Here’s what to do if you notice something isn’t right:

Loose Bracket: Leave it in place if it’s not causing pain and call us
Poking Wire: Try using a pencil eraser or wax to gently push it down
Lost Separator or Retainer: Call us to replace it or get next steps

Close-up of a hand holding a transparent dental aligner against a blue background.

😁 Retainers & Post-Treatment Care

Your retainer helps lock in your new smile.

Wear your retainer as instructed — 12 hours/day for the first 3 months, then every night indefinitely. “Nighttime for lifetime”.
Clean it regularly with a toothbrush and cool water
Always store it in its case when not in use