living-braces-hero.jpg

Living with braces

One of the key benefits of orthodontic treatment is that braces, in whichever form, fit into your lifestyle. It is vital that you continue to look after your teeth during your treatment and take steps to make sure your braces and your teeth stay in top condition.

Our team recommends the following top tips on brushing your teeth, caring for your braces, and what to eat during treatment.

Brushing with braces

It's really important to keep your teeth clean throughout your orthodontic treatment. The good news is it's still possible to brush and floss, even while wearing braces. As part of your fitting appointment, we will show you how to brush your teeth effectively, making sure you get around all the intricate parts of your braces. What's important to remember is that brushing will take a little longer because you must do it gently. The last thing you want is your brackets falling off!

In addition to brushing and flossing, we also recommend that you incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your cleaning routine. This will help ensure you keep your teeth and your braces thoroughly clean and avoid plaque build up. Disclosing tablets will also help to identify any areas where plaque might be forming.

To keep your teeth in the best possible health, it is important to brush them after every meal and snack.

Brushing with braces

Eating with braces

Life doesn't change too much during orthodontic treatment but it is important to make a few adjustments to your diet. After your braces have been fitted, and after every adjustment appointment, it is common for your teeth to feel a little tender. During this time, we recommend eating soft foods, such as:

  • Cooked or mashed food, such as bananas, stewed apple and pear, soft peaches
  • Desserts, such as custard and yoghurt
  • Cooked vegetables, such as mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Porridge

Whilst wearing braces, it is important you avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. These can damage your braces, delaying your treatment so it is recommended that you avoid the following:

  • Sticky toffees and hard candies
  • Corn on the cob
  • Pizza crusts
  • Crunching on ice
  • Popcorn
  • Chewing on the end of pencils
  • Biting fingernails
Eating with braces

Hobbies with braces

When you have braces, life continues and your orthodontic treatment fits in around your daily activities, including hobbies. You can still play sport and musical instruments, it just requires some added thought and care.

For example, before you run out on the sports field, be sure to have a mouthguard in place. We can advise you on the best mouthguard for your teeth and braces at any appointment.

If you have any questions about what life is like with braces, ask your specialist or our treatment coordinators at your consultation. You can also contact our friendly team at Peel Orthodontics anytime.

*Always follow the instructions of your treating orthodontist.

Hobbies with braces