Why Braces Care Matters
Braces create small spaces around brackets and wires where food and plaque can accumulate. If you do not clean these areas well, you risk white spot lesions — permanent marks on the enamel that become visible when your braces come off. The good news: proper care is straightforward once you build the habits.
Brushing with Braces
**How often:** After every meal, and before bed — at minimum four times per day.
**How to do it:** Angle your brush at 45 degrees toward the gum line and brush above the brackets, then below the brackets, then directly over them. Use a soft-bristled brush and spend at least two minutes on each session. Electric toothbrushes work great with braces.
**Tip:** Keep a travel brush and small tube of toothpaste at school or work so you can brush after lunch.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces is trickier but essential. You have a few options:
- ·**Floss threaders** — thread regular floss under the archwire between each pair of teeth
- ·**Orthodontic flossers** — pre-threaded floss picks designed for braces
- ·**Water flosser** — a Waterpik or similar device is an excellent supplement and very easy to use
You only need to floss once per day, but do it thoroughly. Focus on getting under the gumline, not just between the teeth.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, or get stuck and cause decay. Avoid:
- ·Hard foods: ice, hard candy, raw carrots, corn on the cob, hard pizza crust
- ·Sticky foods: caramel, gummy bears, chewy candy, toffee
- ·Crunchy foods: popcorn, hard pretzels, chips (in large amounts)
- ·Biting directly into: apples, pears, sandwiches — cut them into bite-sized pieces instead
What to Do if a Bracket Pops Off
Do not panic. A loose bracket is not an emergency. Call our office and we will schedule a repair appointment. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If the wire is poking your cheek, use orthodontic wax (included in your new patient kit) to cover the sharp end.
Wear Your Rubber Bands
If Dr. Kamdar has given you rubber bands (elastics) to wear, wear them as directed — typically 22 hours per day. Rubber bands do some of the most important work in correcting your bite. Skipping them is one of the main reasons treatment takes longer than expected.
Your Retainer After Treatment
When your braces come off, you will receive a set of retainers. Wear them as directed — typically full time for the first few months, then nights-only long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back, and retainers are what keep your result permanent.