Caring for Your Braces
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important while wearing braces. Regular brushing and flossing prevent cavities and gum problems and make your treatment smoother and more comfortable. Many patients in Kent visit their dentist more often for cleanings during treatment, and if you’re an adult with a history of gum disease, we may recommend seeing a periodontist to keep your gums healthy. Below are tips for the most common situations you’ll experience with braces.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sore After Getting Braces?
It’s normal to feel soreness when braces are first placed or adjusted. This tenderness usually lasts 3-5 days and means your teeth are starting to move. You may notice soreness when biting or chewing, tender spots on your lips or cheeks, and mild irritation as your mouth adjusts. To ease it: take your usual over-the-counter pain reliever, apply orthodontic wax to irritated areas, stick to softer foods for a few days, and rinse with warm salt water. Most patients feel much better after the first week.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose During Treatment?
A slightly “wiggly” feeling is completely normal - teeth must loosen a little to move into their new positions. The sensation comes and goes throughout treatment, and your teeth firm up again once they reach their corrected positions. Looseness is simply a sign that progress is happening.
What Should I Do If a Bracket, Band, or Wire Comes Loose?
Loose brackets and poking wires happen from time to time, and they’re easily fixed. Gently guide a poking wire back with the eraser end of a pencil, cover irritated areas with orthodontic wax, avoid playing with the loose part, and call our Kent office as soon as possible so we can repair it. Keep using wax until your visit if irritation continues.
Why Do I Need to Wear Rubber Bands or Other Appliances?
Braces straighten teeth, but rubber bands (elastics) and other appliances guide your *bite* into the right position - both are needed for the best result. Wear your elastics exactly as instructed, replace them daily, avoid losing or damaging appliances, and let us know if something breaks. The more consistent you are, the faster and smoother your treatment.
How Can I Stay Safe Playing Sports With Braces?
If you play sports - especially contact sports - protect your teeth and braces with an orthodontic mouthguard for games and practices. Let us know what sport you play so we can fit the right guard, and bring it to appointments so we can check the fit. A well-fitted guard helps prevent injuries to your lips, cheeks, and teeth.
We’re Here to Support Your Treatment
Your braces journey is a team effort. With good home care, regular check-ins, and guidance from our Kent team, you’ll keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track. If you ever have questions, just reach out - we’re always happy to make your experience easier.
Questions About Your Braces? We’re Here to Help
Have a question about caring for your braces? Call Advanced Orthodontics Kent at (253) 852-7210 - our team is always happy to help. New to orthodontics? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gabriela Aragon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat normally with braces?
You can eat a wide range of foods, but you’ll want to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy items that can damage brackets and wires. Cutting crunchy foods into small pieces helps, too. See our full guide to foods to avoid with braces for braces-friendly swaps.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
It’s best to wait until your braces come off. Whitening products lighten the exposed part of the tooth but not the area under the brackets, which can leave uneven color. After treatment, we can recommend safe whitening options.
How often should I brush and floss with braces?
Brush after every meal when possible (at least twice a day) and floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser. Keeping food and plaque off your brackets prevents staining and decay and keeps treatment on schedule.
How do I know if I have an orthodontic emergency?
Most issues are minor and can wait until your next visit. But if you’re in significant pain, something breaks, or a wire is poking and can’t be eased with wax, call our Kent office at (253) 852-7210 and we’ll guide you on next steps. See our emergency care page for more.