Caring For Braces, eating comfortably, avoiding breakages and keeping your orthodontic treatment on track.

Caring for Braces

Looking after your braces is one of the most important parts of achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Good oral hygiene, the right food choices and following your orthodontist’s instructions will help keep your treatment on track and reduce the risk of broken braces or dental problems

At ACT Ortho, we’re here to support your every step of the way. If you ever have questions or experience a problem with your braces, our friendly team is happy to help

Looking After Your Braces

Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth into their ideal positions. Keeping your braces clean and avoiding damage helps ensure your treatment progresses as planned.

Flossing is still important during orthodontic treatment. Special orthodontic floss threaders or water flossers can make cleaning between your teeth much easier.

Floss Every Day

Brush Thoroughly

Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Take extra care to clean around the brackets and along the gum line, where plaque can easily build up.

An interdental brush can help remove food trapped around your braces, and fluoride mouth rinse may also be recommended to strengthen your teeth.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Some foods can damage braces or cause brackets and wires to break.

Eating softer foods after adjustments can also make your teeth feel more comfortable

  • Hard lollies and boiled sweets

  • Ice cubes

  • Popcorn

  • Nuts

  • Chewy lollies and caramel

  • Chewing gum

  • Hard crusty bread

  • Corn on the cob (cut the kernels off first)

  • Whole apples or carrots (slice them into small pieces)

Try to avoid:

What can I eat?

Most foods are perfectly fine if they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and chewed carefully.

Good options include:

  • Pasta

  • Rice

  • Soft vegetables

  • Yoghurt

  • Eggs

  • Fish

  • Soft fruit

  • Soup

  • Smoothies

  • Cheese

What if a bracket breaks?

If this happens:

  • Don’t panic.

  • Continue wearing your braces.

  • If a wire is irritating your cheek, cover it with orthodontic wax.

  • Contact ACT Ortho so we can advise whether you need an earlier appointment.

Prompt repairs help keep your treatment progressing as planned.

Playing musical instruments

If you play a wind or brass instrument, you may need a short adjustment period while you get used to your braces. Most patients adapt within a few weeks.

Playing sport

You can continue playing sport while wearing braces.

We strongly recommend wearing a mouldable orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports to help protect both your teeth and braces.

Looking after your smile throughout treatment

Your orthodontic treatment is a partnership between you and your orthodontist

By:

  • Keeping your braces clean

  • Following dietary advice

  • Attending your appointments

  • Waring any elastics or appliances as instructed

you’ll help achieve the best possible smile in the shortest appropriate time.