Home Care for Braces
Home Care for Braces
Home Care for Braces: Your Complete Guide to Success
Taking care of your braces at home is one of the most important parts of achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. At Freels Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing exceptional orthodontic treatment in McAllen, TX, and that includes helping you understand how to properly care for your braces between office visits. Proper home care for braces not only protects your investment but also helps ensure your treatment stays on track and finishes on time.
Understanding Your Role in Treatment
While Dr. Freels and our team handle the technical aspects of your orthodontic treatment in McAllen, TX, your daily habits at home play a crucial role in your success. Home care for braces involves several key responsibilities: maintaining excellent oral hygiene, wearing rubber bands as prescribed, protecting your braces from damage, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Let’s explore each of these areas in detail.
If your rubber bands break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off — call our office immediately at
Oral Hygiene With Braces
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is essential. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing your risk of cavities and gum problems. Brush your teeth after every meal and snack using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle your brush to clean above and below each bracket, and don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue.
Flossing daily is equally important, even though it takes a bit more effort with braces. Use a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to guide the floss between your teeth and under the wire. Water flossers can also be helpful tools for removing debris and keeping your gums healthy throughout your treatment.
Wearing Rubber Bands
When Dr. Freels prescribes rubber bands as part of your treatment plan, wearing them consistently is critical. These small but powerful tools provide continuous gentle force that moves specific teeth or groups of teeth into their proper positions. Rubber bands must be worn exactly as instructed to achieve results within the expected timeframe.
You are responsible for placing rubber bands on your braces between appointments. Remove them only when brushing your teeth after meals, then replace them immediately. Always carry extras with you in case one breaks. If you run low on rubber bands, stop by our office or call us at 956-631-8181 to have more mailed to you.
If you forget to wear your rubber bands one day, simply resume your regular schedule the next day. Never double up to make up for lost time. Consistency is key, and any time missed will only extend your treatment duration.
Have a look at our rubber bands wear gallery if you need a refresher on how to use yours:
Managing Discomfort
It’s normal to experience some soreness after your braces are first placed or after adjustment appointments. Your teeth may feel tender for a few days as they begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help manage this discomfort.
Your braces may also cause minor irritation to your cheeks and lips, especially in the first few weeks. Orthodontic wax is your best friend during this adjustment period. Simply dry the area causing irritation, tear off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it over the bracket or wire. This creates a smooth barrier between your braces and soft tissues. If you feel anything sharp poking you or experience persistent discomfort, please call our office right away.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Even with careful home care for braces, occasional issues can arise. If a bracket or band comes loose, or if you break a wire, contact our office as soon as possible. Be as specific as you can when describing the problem to our appointment coordinator so we can schedule enough time to repair it properly.
If a rubber band hook breaks off or your rubber bands break frequently, this could indicate an issue that needs attention. Don’t try to fix broken braces components yourself. Instead, call us at 956-631-8181 and we’ll get you in for a repair appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
Brush after every meal and snack, plus before bed. At minimum, brush three times daily.
What should I do if I run out of rubber bands?
Contact our office and we can mail you more, or stop by to pick them up in person.
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes, but you should wear a protective mouthguard. Ask us about orthodontic mouthguards designed specifically for braces.
What foods should I avoid?
Stay away from hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires, such as popcorn, hard candy, caramel, and gum.
Additional Resources
If you need more information on how to care for your orthodontic appliance, check out these resources:
Your Partner in Orthodontic Success
Effective home care for braces is a partnership between you and our team. At Freels Orthodontics, we provide the expertise and technology needed for successful orthodontic treatment in McAllen, TX, while you handle the daily care that keeps everything on track.
By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with our office, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve. If you have questions about caring for your braces or need additional supplies, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.