10 Tips for Caring for Your Braces During Treatment

Dr. Karen Conn of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics provides 10 helpful tips to properly take care of your braces during treatment

‍

Congratulations on embarking on your orthodontic journey! To ensure a successful and comfortable treatment experience, it’s important to properly care for your braces. Proper care will not only expedite your treatment, but also minimize discomfort and potential complications.

‍

Here are 10 essential tips for caring for your braces:

‍

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to the areas around your brackets and wires.
2. Floss daily: Flossing is crucial for removing food particles trapped between your teeth and braces. Use a floss threader or water flosser to make it easier.
3. Avoid sticky foods: Steer clear of hard candies, gum, popcorn kernels, ice, and sticky foods like caramel and taffy. These can damage your braces or break them.
4. Be cautious with hard foods: While not completely off-limits, be mindful of harder foods like bagels, pizza crusts, and tough meats.
5. Cut your food into small pieces: This will make it easier to chew and reduce the risk of breaking your braces.
6. Wear your rubber bands as directed: If your orthodontist has prescribed rubber bands, wear them consistently as instructed. They play a vital role in fixing your bite.
7. Visit your orthodontist for regular adjustments: Attend all your scheduled appointments for adjustments and check-ups.
8. Protect your mouth during sports: Wear a mouthguard designed for braces during sports activities to protect your braces and your teeth from injury.
9. Be gentle with your braces: Avoid unnecessarily touching or playing with your braces with your fingers or tongue.
10. Report any problems immediately: If you experience any discomfort, pain, or breakage with your braces, contact your orthodontist right away.

‍

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful orthodontic treatment experience. Remember, proper oral hygiene and a consistent approach to braces care are keys to achieving a beautiful smile.

‍

—

Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults. She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Main Line Today Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers. Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.

Bryn Mawr Orthodontics is an award-winning practice that was voted the Best Orthodontist in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2024 Philly Favorites contest. Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

To learn more about Bryn Mawr Orthodontics, visit https://www.brynmawrorthodontics.com/. Contact the office today (484-383-0055) or complete this form to schedule a free consultation.