Braces Care & Post-Op Instructions | Elate Orthodontics
Welcome to Your Braces Journey at Elate Orthodontics!
Congratulations on starting your orthodontic treatment with Elate Orthodontics! Proper care of your braces is essential to ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment. Below are important post-op instructions to help you adjust to life with braces.
All you need to know about braces:
How to use orthodontic wax:
Brushing & Flossing With Braces
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial while wearing braces to prevent cavities, gum disease, and staining.
Tips for Keeping Your Braces Clean:
✅ Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush
✅ Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel
✅ Floss daily using orthodontic floss threaders or a Waterpik
✅ Clean around brackets using an interdental brush
✅ Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to remove plaque buildup
Not cleaning your teeth properly may lead to more dental visits and prolong your treatment. Learn more about our Traditional Braces and Clear Braces options.
Eating With Braces
For the first few days, stick to soft foods to reduce discomfort:
🥣 Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, soups, and smoothies
As you adjust, you can resume eating most foods, but you must take extra precautions to avoid damaging your braces.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
🚫 Chewy foods – Bagels, hard rolls, licorice
🚫 Crunchy foods – Popcorn, ice, chips, pretzels
🚫 Sticky foods – Caramels, gum, taffy
🚫 Hard foods – Nuts, hard pretzels, tough meats
🚫 Biting into hard foods – Apples, raw carrots, corn on the cob
💡 Pro Tip: Cut tough foods into small pieces and use your back teeth to chew.
For a detailed list of foods to avoid, visit our guide: What Can and Can’t You Eat With Braces?
Managing Soreness & Discomfort
Mild soreness and discomfort are normal in the first 3-5 days after getting braces.
✔️ OTC Pain Relief – Take Tylenol or Advil if needed
✔️ Lip & Cheek Irritation – Apply orthodontic wax to sore areas
✔️ Warm Salt Water Rinse – Helps relieve gum soreness
👉 If soreness persists for more than two week, contact us at Elate Orthodontics.
Loose Brackets or Wires? Here’s What to Do!
Braces are durable, but wires or brackets can sometimes loosen.
✔️ Loose wire sticking out? Use an eraser end of a pencil to gently push it back
✔️ Still irritated? Cover the wire with orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton
✔️ DO NOT cut the wire yourself – Call us for an appointment
📞 Call us immediately at 972-538-4343 for a repair.
For more common braces emergencies, visit: Braces Hurt & Common Emergencies
Rubber Band Wear & Treatment Compliance
If your orthodontist has prescribed rubber bands (elastics), wearing them as instructed is critical for treatment success.
💡 Skipping rubber bands can delay treatment!
👉 Read more about how elastics work: Orthodontic Elastics: What Are They & How Do They Work?
Sports & Braces: Stay Safe! 🏀⚽🏈
If you play sports, let us know! We provide protective mouthguards to prevent injuries.
✔️ Best Mouthguard for Braces: Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard
👉 More on mouthguards: Best Mouthguards for Braces: Protect Your Smile
We Are Here To Support You!
If you have questions or concerns, call or text us at 972-538-4343.
📍 Find us at our convenient locations:
✨ Your journey to a confident smile starts now – Let’s make it amazing!
Helpful Resources & Related Pages:
📌 Best Braces Colors: A Complete Guide
📌 Everything You Need to Know About Power Chains
📌 Before & After Transformations