Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile! At Davis Orthodontics, we want your treatment to go as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re a new patient or searching for tips on how to care for braces, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from daily care to handling common issues.

Daily Braces Care

• Floss at least once a day using a platypus flosser (orthodontic floss pick) or a floss threader to clean between your teeth and behind the wire.
• Rinse nightly with a fluoride rinse like ACT or Phos-Flur to help prevent cavities and gingivitis

These simple habits will keep your smile clean and speed up your orthodontic progress.

Best Foods to Eat with Braces

Making smart food choices can protect your braces and help avoid broken brackets or wires.

Braces-Friendly Foods

• Soft foods like pasta, soup, chicken, eggs, or meatloaf
• Smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes
• Steamed or soft-cooked vegetables

Foods to Avoid with Braces

• Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, gummy candy, etc.
• Hard or crunchy foods: popcorn, nuts, chips, pretzels, hard candy, pizza crust, raw carrots, etc.
• Sugary treats: soda, cookies, cake, candy, etc.

Tips:

1. Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces to make eating easier and safer for your braces.
2. Avoid bad habits like chewing on pencils, fingernails, or ice.

Common Braces Problems & Quick Fixes

Even with great care, small issues can happen. Here’s what to do:

Loose Band or Bracket

• Place orthodontic wax over the area to prevent irritation.
• If a bracket comes off the wire, save it and bring it to your next appointment.
• Call us during business hours so we can let you know if you need to come in sooner.

Poking Wires

• Try gently bending the wire back with a spoon or eraser.
• Cover the area with wax to ease irritation.
• Call us if it continues to bother you and we’ll schedule a repair if needed.

Lost Tie or Elastic

• If it’s not uncomfortable, it can usually wait until your next visit.

General Discomfort

• Warm salt water rinses can soothe irritation.
• Use numbing gel for ulcers (these usually heal in 5–8 days).
• Tylenol or Advil can help with soreness after adjustments.

Why Braces Care Matters

Taking good care of your braces isn’t just about avoiding repairs! It helps you:

• Stay on track with treatment time
• Prevent cavities and gum problems
• Protect your investment in a beautiful, confident smile

At Davis Orthodontics, we provide personalized care to make your orthodontic journey comfortable and successful.

Need Help with Braces?

If you’re a current patient and need help beyond the guide above, you can contact us directly. We’re just a call, text, or email away!

Not a patient yet? If you’re considering braces or Invisalign®, our friendly team would love to help. Schedule a free consultation at one of our convenient Upstate South Carolina orthodontic offices today and take the first step toward your confident new smile.