Mountain West Dental Specialists is proud to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care for patients of all ages in Las Vegas. But once you get braces, the real work begins! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your braces so your treatment stays on track and your smile shines.
Your Daily Care Routine for Braces
Taking care of your braces starts with a strong daily routine. The truth is, this might take some practice, or even some trial and error, before you find a plan that works and stick with it. Try to follow these steps:
- Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the brush to reach above, below, and between each bracket.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or use a water flosser to clean between teeth and around brackets.
- Use an interdental brush (aka a proxy brush) to clean small spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinse with mouthwash to flush out bacteria and keep your gums healthy.
- Check for loose bands or wires after brushing and flossing.
Good hygiene helps prevent plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and stains that can occur around the brackets.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning more difficult. Avoid:
- Sticky foods like gum, caramels, or taffy
- Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice
- Crunchy foods like raw carrots or apples (cut them into smaller pieces)
- Chewy foods like bagels or licorice
- Foods you have to bite into, like corn on the cob or whole apples
Stick to braces-friendly meals with soft textures like yogurt, pasta, soft fruits, scrambled eggs, and steamed veggies.
Caring for Braces as an Adult
Adult orthodontic patients in Las Vegas often have different concerns than pediatric ones. You may be juggling work, parenting, and appointments, all while managing braces or aligners. Here are a few tips to make this process easier:
- Keep oral hygiene supplies in your bag, desk, or car so you’re prepared wherever you are.
- Plan ahead with meals—cut food into smaller pieces, and avoid anything that might bend a wire or break a bracket.
- Stay consistent with checkups and cleanings—as an adult, you may be more prone to gum sensitivity or enamel wear.
- Ask about discreet options like LightForce 3D ceramic braces or Invisalign if appearance is a concern.
Orthodontic treatment at any age is a commitment, but the reward of a straighter, healthier smile is always worth it.
Special Tips for Kids & Teens
Braces can be a big adjustment for younger patients, but with a little support, kids and teens can absolutely thrive during treatment!
- Set a routine: Help them build a daily habit of brushing and flossing. Use a checklist or calendar to track.
- Pack a braces care kit for school with a toothbrush, proxy brush, floss, wax, and mirror.
- Encourage fun band colors: Choosing new elastic colors at each visit can make appointments more exciting.
- Offer positive reinforcement: Celebrate milestones like finishing the first month or getting a new wire.
- Avoid chewy snacks in lunch boxes and offer braces-safe options like soft fruit, string cheese, or yogurt.
- Educate about responsibility: Teens, especially, should understand how broken brackets or poor hygiene can extend treatment.
Dr. Allison Tomlin and the MWDS team work closely with young patients to make sure they feel confident and comfortable throughout their orthodontic development.
Be Prepared for Orthodontic Emergencies
While orthodontic emergencies are rarer than people think, being prepared for damage and accidents can help you handle unexpected issues with confidence. Most situations aren’t true emergencies but can still cause discomfort or disrupt your treatment if you leave them unaddressed for too long.
Here are a few common scenarios and how to stay ready:
- Loose brackets or wires: Keep orthodontic wax on hand to cover any sharp edges until you can schedule a repair.
- Poking wires: Use a clean pencil eraser to gently tuck the wire back into place, or cover it with wax.
- Lost or broken retainers or aligners: Contact your orthodontist right away to avoid unwanted tooth movement.
- Mouth sores or irritation: Rinse with warm salt water and apply wax or a soothing gel if needed.
We suggest you keep a small emergency kit with wax, floss, tweezers, nail clippers, and a mirror handy, especially when traveling. And most importantly, call Mountain West Dental Specialists if you’re ever unsure whether a situation needs more attention. A quick response can prevent delays and keep your treatment plan on track.
Patience and Practice Make Perfect
The longer you live with your orthodontic appliance, the more natural it will feel. This applies to your general comfort, as well as your ability to maintain a care routine. Even if it’s not smooth sailing from day one, we promise things will even out!
Dr. Tomlin and our team would love to meet you for an initial consultation and discuss your orthodontic options.
