Patient resources

Life with braces.
A little clearer.

The small routines make a difference. Here’s a practical guide to caring for your teeth and appliance between visits.

01 / Everyday care

Eating with braces

A few food choices can help protect your brackets and wires.

Ask your team which foods may damage your specific appliance. Hard, crunchy, sticky, or very chewy foods often need extra care or a different preparation.
Cut foods into smaller pieces when helpful, and follow any instructions you receive after an adjustment.
If a bracket or wire is damaged, contact the office for guidance.

02 / Everyday care

Cleaning around braces takes a little more attention.

Brush around brackets, along the gumline, and around all tooth surfaces as instructed by your team.
Ask the team to show you flossing aids or other tools suited to your appliance.
Keep routine dental cleanings with your general dentist during orthodontic care.

03 / Everyday care

Some tenderness can occur when treatment begins or after an adjustment.

Your team can explain what discomfort to expect and which comfort measures are appropriate for you.
Orthodontic wax may help with rubbing from a bracket or wire when the team recommends it.
Call if pain is severe, persists, or seems different from what the team described.

04 / Everyday care

A damaged appliance needs the right next step.

Contact the office when a bracket, wire, or other part becomes loose or causes irritation.
Explain what has happened and follow the team’s instructions until you can be seen.
Keep any loose piece if the team asks you to bring it to the appointment.

05 / Everyday care

Protecting your teeth remains important while you are in treatment.

Tell the team about sports and activities that could involve contact or falls.
Ask what type of mouthguard is appropriate for your current appliance.
After an injury to your mouth or appliance, contact the office for guidance and seek urgent care for serious injury.