Essential Braces Care: Your Guide to a Healthy Smile

Dr. Karen Conn of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics emphasizes that proper braces care is essential for a successful and healthy smile transformation.

Starting your journey with braces in Bryn Mawr is an exciting step towards a confident smile.  Proper care is crucial for comfortable and effective orthodontic treatment.  

Key Tips for Braces Care

1. Master Your Oral Hygiene

Braces can trap food and plaque, making diligent oral hygiene vital to prevent issues and ensure smooth progress.

• Brush Thoroughly: Brush after every meal and snack (at least four times daily) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.  Angle your brush to clean above and below wires and brackets, using gentle, circular motions.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is essential to remove trapped food and plaque.  Use a floss threader, specialized orthodontic floss, interdental brushes or a water pik to clean between brackets and wires.
• Rinse: Use water or a fluoride mouthwash to dislodge debris and support enamel health.

2. Watch Your Diet

Certain foods can damage your braces, causing delays and discomfort.

• Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Chewy Foods: These can break brackets or bend wires. Examples include hard candies, nuts, popcorn kernels, gum, caramels, and tough breads.
• Cut Food: For firm items like apples or carrots, cut them into small pieces to avoid biting directly into them.
• Limit Sugary Drinks: Sodas and sugary juices contribute to decay and can stain teeth around brackets.

3. Managing Discomfort & Minor Issues

Some soreness is normal after starting braces.

• Soreness Relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol.
• Irritation: Apply orthodontic wax over any wires or brackets irritating your cheeks, lips, or tongue. You can also try a warm salt water rinse.

4. Attend Appointments & Cleanings

• Regular Orthodontic Adjustments: Attend all scheduled appointments.  These are vital for your treatment progress and to ensure adjustments are made correctly.
• Dental Check-ups: Continue regular visits to your general dentist for cleanings and check-ups to maintain overall oral health.

5. Protect Your Smile

• Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports, to avoid injury always use a mouthguard for braces to protect your teeth and appliances.

Consistent braces care ensures a smoother, more effective, and comfortable orthodontic treatment, leading to the healthy, beautiful smile you desire.  For any questions, always consult your orthodontic care team.

Get Started with Braces in Bryn Mawr

Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults.  She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Main Line Today Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers.  Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.  She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.

Bryn Mawr Orthodontics is an award-winning practice that was voted the Best Orthodontist in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2024 and 2025 Philly Favorites contests. Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line. Call us today or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.

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