How to care for your braces

If you have fixed braces, you’ll need to clean them after every meal and before bedtime. Brush over each wire and bracket, and angle your toothbrush to carefully clean underneath them. Your dentist can recommend interdental brushes, which are needed for cleaning between the brackets and teeth.

For patients with removable braces or Invisalign aligners, your dentist will recommend a specific cleaning system. Aligners can be brushed with lukewarm water – never hot water, as this can warp the plastic – and your regular toothpaste.

When you have a fixed brace – or a removable brace you need to wear while you eat – you’ll need to be careful about your diet, as soon foods can damage the wires. Sticky foods like caramels, toffees and boiled sweets should be avoided, and hard crunchy foods – apples, raw vegetables like carrots and celery, crusty bread, biscuits and nuts – can also sometimes harm your braces.

That’s not to say you have to avoid these foods altogether, you’ll just need to cut them into small pieces and chew them with your back teeth if possible.

If you’re wearing Invisalign aligners or similar removable braces, remember to take them out when you eat. You should only drink water while wearing your retainers to avoid staining the plastic.

Think your braces or aligners might be damaged? If you have noticed any issues with your braces or are experiencing pain, contact your dentist as soon as possible. If you frequently damage your braces, your treatment time will probably be longer than planned. Follow your dentist’s advice, don’t play with your braces or try to fix them yourself, and report any issues as soon as they arise.

When you first get your braces and after they’ve been adjusted or changed, it’s normal to experience some discomfort. Most patients will have slightly sore teeth and gums, and may experience discomfort when eating. If this is the case, ease the pain by rinsing with salt water and using over-the-counter painkillers.

Some people find the wires and brackets of their fixed braces rub against their tongue and cheeks. This can be soothed by applying orthodontic wax – available from your local pharmacy or Smiles dental clinic – over the areas of the brace causing irritation. You can also purchase anaesthetic gel to apply to the affected area. If the pain worsens or continues longer than expected, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

For your orthodontic treatment to be a success, you’ll need to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your teeth straightening journey. This means brushing your teeth for at least two minutes after each meal and cleaning with interdental brushes or flossing.

If you have fixed braces, you’ll need to take extra care when cleaning your teeth. Be sure to brush all along the gumline at a 45-degree angle, as well as below the brackets. To keep the spaces between the brackets clean, you should use an interdental brush. If you find flossing difficult with fixed braces, ask your dentist about waxed floss, floss threaders and dental tape – they can make the process a little easier.

Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend visiting a dental hygienist throughout your treatment, as they’ll be able to provide bespoke advice to make sure your oral health is in great condition.

There’s no reason to stop playing sports when undergoing orthodontic treatment, but you’ll need to take steps to protect your mouth. Patients with fixed braces should wear a custom orthodontic mouthguard, especially if you’re playing contact sports like rugby.

If you have removable aligners, these need to be worn for about 20-22 hours per day. As such, you can probably remove your aligner while playing sports. If you have any questions about wearing braces while playing sports, speak to your Smiles dentist for some tailored advice.

Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is important throughout your orthodontic treatment, just as it is for those not wearing braces. Sugary snacks and fizzy drinks should be kept to a minimum, as these put you at risk of tooth decay that will impact your confident and straighter new smile.

To protect your teeth, we recommend sticking to three meals a day and avoiding snacks. If you find yourself feeling hungry between meals, it’s better to opt for tooth-friendly options like fruit and vegetables, yoghurt or cheese. Water is always recommended, and fruit juices and other drinks should be kept to mealtimes only.

Before your orthodontic treatment begins, your dentist or orthodontist will discuss the treatment journey with you, including review appointments and check-ups. Once your treatment is complete, you’ll be given a retainer that will ensure your teeth remain in their new straighter position.

Should you have any concerns or questions throughout your treatment, contact your dentist. We’re always happy to help with tailored advice.

If you don’t wear your retainers or don’t follow the advice of your dentist or orthodontist, your teeth can begin to shift back to their former position. If this happens, it’s possible to repeat your orthodontic treatment.

If you had fixed metal braces as a teenager and want a more discreet orthodontic option later in life, clear aligners, lingual braces or clear ceramic braces may be a suitable option.