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Creating Smiles for a Lifetime
Everything You Need for a Smooth Smile Journey
We’re committed to making every step of your orthodontic experience simple and stress-free. Explore our patient resources for helpful information on your braces care and everything you need to feel confident throughout your treatment at Summers Orthodontics.
Life With Braces
Eating With Braces
Adjusting to braces doesn’t mean giving up all your favorite foods forever. During treatment, you’ll simply need to avoid certain foods that can bend wires, loosen brackets, or damage your appliances. With a few simple changes, you can protect your braces while keeping your treatment on track.
Foods to Avoid
To help prevent broken brackets and unnecessary treatment delays, avoid:
- Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum
- Hard foods such as nuts, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice
- Crunchy snacks like chips and popcorn
- Chewy foods including bagels and licorice
- Foods you bite directly into, such as whole apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
Braces-Friendly Foods
There are still plenty of delicious foods you can enjoy while wearing braces, including:
- Dairy: Yogurt, pudding, soft cheese, and milk
- Breads & Grains: Soft bread, pancakes, muffins, pasta, and rice
- Proteins: Tender chicken, meatballs, deli meats, eggs, tuna, and salmon
- Vegetables: Mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, beans, and steamed greens
- Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, berries, and other soft fruits
- Treats: Ice cream, milkshakes, gelatin, and soft cakes without nuts
Adjusting to Your Braces
It’s completely normal to experience mild soreness for a few days after getting your braces or following an adjustment. As your teeth begin moving into their new positions, you may notice some tenderness when biting or chewing. This discomfort is temporary and typically improves within a few days.
To help ease soreness, try rinsing with warm salt water several times a day or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. If your brackets or wires are rubbing against your cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax can provide quick relief while your mouth adjusts. If you need additional wax or have any concerns, the Summers Orthodontics team is always happy to help.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose?
As your braces begin working, your teeth may feel slightly loose. While this can seem surprising, it’s actually a normal part of orthodontic treatment. Your teeth must loosen slightly before they can safely move into healthier positions.
As treatment progresses, your teeth will stabilize in their new alignment. If you ever experience unusual discomfort or have questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Summers Orthodontics.
Loose Brackets or Wires
Occasionally, a bracket, band, or wire may become loose during treatment. If this happens, contact Summers Orthodontics as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair and keep your treatment on track. If any part of your braces comes off, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
If a loose wire is causing discomfort, you may be able to gently move it back into place using the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a clean spoon. You can also place orthodontic wax over the area to protect your cheeks and lips until you’re able to visit our office.
Staying Active With Braces
Braces don’t have to keep you on the sidelines. Whether you play football, basketball, soccer, dance, or another activity, you can continue participating in these activities throughout orthodontic treatment. We simply recommend wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard to help protect both your teeth and your braces from injury.
If you experience a hit to the mouth during sports, check your braces for any loose brackets or bent wires. If you notice damage or have significant discomfort, contact Summers Orthodontics so we can evaluate the issue and get your treatment back on track.
Keeping Your Smile Clean
Good oral hygiene is one of the most important parts of successful orthodontic treatment. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily helps remove food particles and plaque from around your brackets and wires, reducing your risk of cavities, staining, and gum disease.
Our team is happy to recommend toothbrushes, flossing tools, water flossers, and other products that can make caring for your braces easier throughout treatment.
Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but we’re here whenever you need us. If you’re experiencing severe pain, a broken appliance, or anything that prevents your braces from functioning properly, contact Summers Orthodontics as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair.
Many minor issues can be managed temporarily until you’re able to visit our office. Orthodontic wax can help cover an irritating bracket or wire, and a loose wire may be gently repositioned with the eraser end of a pencil. If a bracket or other appliance piece comes loose, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
Even if you’re able to relieve the discomfort at home, it’s important to let us know right away. Prompt repairs help prevent unnecessary treatment delays and keep your smile progressing as planned.