Life with Braces

Discover Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Smile Journey Smooth And Stress-Free

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Brushing and flossing after every meal is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Austin Rahaim can recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss designed for braces.

Pro Tip

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and threader floss to reach between brackets.

Eating with Braces

Foods to Avoid

Chewy foods (bagels, licorice)

Crunchy foods (popcorn, chips, ice)

Sticky foods (gum, caramel)

Hard foods (nuts, hard candy)

Braces-Friendly Foods

Dairy: yogurt, soft cheeses

Soft grains: rice, pasta

Fruits: bananas, applesauce

Soft veggies: steamed spinach, mashed potatoes

Meats: soft chicken, meatballs

Soreness & Discomfort

It’s normal to feel soreness after braces are placed. Rinsing with warm salt water can help, as can over-the-counter pain relief. Soft tissues in your mouth will toughen after the first 1-2 weeks.

Loose Wires & Bands

If a wire or band comes loose, gently push it back into place with a pencil eraser and cover it with dental wax until you can visit the office.

Sports with Braces

Good news: you can still play sports! Just be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. In case of injury, check for loose teeth or damage and contact us immediately.

Retainer Instructions

Wear your retainer as instructed to maintain your smile.

Always remove it before eating, and store it in its case when not in use.

Clean your retainer daily with warm water and a toothbrush.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander helps widen the upper jaw to create more space for your teeth. Follow these steps to adjust it at home:

Tilt the patient’s head back in a well-lit area.

Insert the key into the hole.

Push the key toward the back of the mouth.

Remove the key and check for the next hole.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

TADs are titanium anchors used to guide tooth movement. They’re placed with local anesthesia and can cause slight discomfort at first. Brush around the TADs just like braces, and they’ll be removed once they’re no longer needed.

See the Difference Braces Can Make!

Check out some of the amazing transformations from our patients! Our braces have helped them achieve straighter, healthier smiles.

What Our Patients Say

From the first appointment to the final result, hear firsthand how braces have changed lives at Bayview Orthodontics.

Questions About Your Braces?

We’re here to help at every step of your orthodontic journey. Contact us for advice or to schedule a check-up.

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Hours:

Austin Rahaim, MDM, MS