Caring For Your Braces

Unlock Your Best Smile: How to Care for Your Braces with Confidence

Getting braces is a big step on the journey to a healthier, more confident smile. At Wheeler Orthodontics in Toledo, we understand that taking proper care of your braces can make all the difference in how quickly and how beautifully your teeth are straightened. Whether you’ve just had braces put on or you’re midway through treatment, this guide will give you everything you need to know to keep your braces (and your smile) in top shape.

Why Proper Braces Care Matters

Braces are a powerful orthodontic tool. They gently move your teeth into perfect alignment, helping you achieve a straight, healthy smile. But if you don’t care for them properly, you could end up extending your treatment time or even damaging your teeth.

When you follow the proper care routine, you help your orthodontist do their job more effectively—and ensure your smile transformation goes smoothly.

Daily Brushing & Flossing with Braces

One of the most important things you can do is keep your braces clean. Food and plaque can get trapped in the brackets and wires, leading to tooth decay, gum issues, or staining around the brackets.

Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic toothbrush. Angle the brush above and below each bracket to get into every crevice.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
• Floss at least once a day. Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to get between the wires.
• Rinse with mouthwash to keep your mouth feeling fresh and to kill bacteria in hard-to-reach spots.

We recommend brushing for two full minutes every time—and don’t forget to bring a travel toothbrush with you on the go!

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Your braces are strong, but they’re not invincible. Certain foods can bend wires, pop off brackets, or get lodged in tight places. Avoid these common culprits:

• Sticky foods like gum, caramel, and taffy
• Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and ice
• Crunchy items, such as raw carrots or apples (cut them into small pieces instead).
• Chewy foods like bagels or licorice

Being mindful about what you eat helps prevent emergency visits to the orthodontist—and keeps your treatment on track.

What to Do If You Have Braces Discomfort

It’s totally normal to feel a little discomfort when you first get your braces on or after an adjustment. But the good news? It usually goes away in a few days.

Here are a few tips to ease the discomfort:

• Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires irritating your cheeks.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if needed (with your parent’s or doctor’s permission).
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore spots.

If a wire is poking you or a bracket becomes loose, call Wheeler Orthodontics right away. We’re here to help with any orthodontic emergencies in Toledo.

Playing Sports or Instruments? No Problem!

Braces shouldn’t stop you from living your life! If you play contact sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances. Ask our team about custom-fit orthodontic mouthguards for the best protection and comfort.

Musicians who play wind instruments may need a short adjustment period, but most people adapt quickly. Let us know what you play, and we can offer tips to make it easier for you.

Regular Orthodontic Check-Ups Matter

To keep your teeth straightening on schedule, it’s essential to attend all your scheduled appointments. At Wheeler Orthodontics, your orthodontist will closely monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and address any issues before they become significant problems.

If you have any questions between visits, or if something doesn’t feel right, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Tips for Staying on Track

• Set reminders to brush, floss, and rinse your teeth.
• Keep a braces kit with you: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wax, and mirror.
• Take progress photos to stay motivated by your smile journey.
• Follow your orthodontist’s advice exactly—wear those rubber bands if prescribed!

Your commitment makes all the difference in how quickly your teeth straighten and how stunning your final results will be.

Why Choose Wheeler Orthodontics?

At Wheeler Orthodontics, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care to help our Toledo patients achieve confident, healthy smiles. We’re not just here to straighten teeth—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our Toledo orthodontist and team genuinely care about your comfort and success. Whether you’re a teen getting braces for the first time or an adult returning to orthodontic care, you’ll feel welcomed and supported throughout your journey.

Ready to Straighten Your Teeth in Toledo?

Getting braces is an exciting step, and caring for them properly is key to unlocking your best smile. At Wheeler Orthodontics, we’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and ensure a smooth orthodontic journey from start to finish.

If you’re ready to learn more about how braces can transform your smile—or if you need help caring for your current ones—contact Wheeler Orthodontics today. We proudly serve the Toledo area and can’t wait to help you achieve a smile you’ll love for life.