Caring for Braces and Aligners

Taking good care of your teeth and appliances keeps treatment on track and helps you get the best result. Here’s what to know while you’re wearing braces or aligners.

Keeping your teeth clean

Brush after eating

Food collects around brackets and wires. Brush carefully around each bracket, above and below the wire, with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss every day

A floss threader, orthodontic floss or a small interdental brush makes it easier to clean between teeth and under the wire.

Keep seeing your dentist

Continue your regular dental check-ups and cleanings throughout treatment.

With aligners: take them out to eat or drink anything but water, brush before putting them back in, and clean the aligners as your orthodontist recommends.

Food and braces

Hard, sticky and chewy foods can bend wires and break brackets, which can add time to treatment. Cut firm foods such as apples and raw carrots into small pieces, and limit sugary snacks and drinks.

Best avoided with braces

Hard candy, nuts and ice
Popcorn
Caramel, toffee and chewing gum
Biting directly into hard foods like whole apples or corn on the cob
Chewing on pens or fingernails

Sports and activities

Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and activities where your mouth could be hit. Ask your orthodontist which type works with your braces.

Minor problems and what to do

Most problems with braces aren’t emergencies and can wait until the office is open. Call your orthodontist’s office for advice, and to book a repair if it’s needed.

Soreness

Teeth may feel sore for a few days after braces go on or are adjusted. Soft foods and an over-the-counter pain reliever, taken as directed, usually help.

A poking wire

Cover the end with orthodontic wax, or gently push it flat with the eraser end of a pencil. Call the office if it keeps bothering you.

A loose bracket or band

Leave it in place and cover it with wax if it’s irritating. Call the office to let them know. Keep any piece that comes off.

A lost or broken aligner

Call the office. They’ll tell you whether to go back to your previous aligner or move to the next one.

Get care right away for an injury to the mouth or face, swelling, signs of infection, or severe pain. Contact your orthodontist or dentist immediately, or go to an emergency department.

This page is general information only. Always follow your own orthodontist’s instructions.