How To Care for your Braces : Do's and Don'ts
Live and Smile • April 30, 2025
How To Care for your Braces : Do's and Don'ts
Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a confident, healthy smile—and how you care for them matters. At Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics on Amador Plaza Road in Dublin, CA, we want to make sure you have all the tools and tips you need to keep your treatment on track and your teeth in top shape.
Whether you’ve just started your braces journey or you're well into it, here’s your expert guide from your trusted dental and orthodontic office in Dublin, CA.
DO: Brush After Every Meal
Food can easily get caught in brackets and wires, leading to plaque, bad breath, and even permanent stains. We recommend brushing after every meal using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Live and Smile can show you the best brushing techniques for braces.
DO:
Floss Daily
Flossing with braces may be tricky, but it’s essential for preventing gum disease and cavities. Use tools like a floss threader or water flosser to get the job done effectively. Our team at Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics is always happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques during your visit.
DO: Use Orthodontic Wax
If brackets or wires are irritating your cheeks or lips, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to protect the area. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in your comfort.
DO: Stick to Soft, Braces-Friendly Foods
Go for foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, bananas, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. Avoid biting into anything too hard. Your braces—and your teeth—will thank you.
DO: Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Playing sports? Don’t forget your mouthguard! It’s essential for protecting your braces and teeth from unexpected impact. Ask our orthodontist, Dr. Yoon about custom-fit options.
DON’T: Eat Hard, Crunchy, or Sticky Foods
Avoid popcorn, hard candy, nuts, gum, and sticky sweets like caramel. These can bend wires, loosen brackets, and even break parts of your braces.
DON’T: Chew on Non-Food Items
Chewing on pens, fingernails, or ice can damage your braces and stall your progress. Stay mindful of these habits and protect your investment.
DON’T: Skip Appointments
Routine check-ups at our office in Dublin are key to keeping your braces treatment on schedule. If you’re searching for an orthodontist in the tri-valley area, our friendly team Live and Smile Dental is here to help you stay on track with consistent care.
DON’T: Ignore Damage or Discomfort
If a wire is poking or a bracket feels loose, don’t wait—call us at Live and Smile Dental and Orthodontics right away. Prompt fixes prevent bigger issues later and our orthodontist, Dr. Yoon is always happy to fix the wire or rebond any brackets.
😊 Your Smile Is Worth It
At Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics, we’re proud to provide high-quality orthodontic care—including braces and Invisalign—to patients of all ages in Dublin, CA and surrounding communities. Proper care leads to better results, fewer delays, and a healthier smile for life.
Have questions about your braces or need to schedule a check-up?
Contact Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics in Dublin, CA, today—we're conveniently located on Amador Plaza Road and always accepting new patients looking for a trusted dentist or orthodontist near you.
