Caring for your braces

Name: Bayside Orthodontics
Telephone: 03 9696 6999

Getting braces is a big step, and our team is here to help you through the process smoothly. By following a few key guidelines, you’ll keep your treatment on track and your smile looking its best.

Brace care essentials

Brush after every meal and snack. Brackets and wires trap food more easily, so cleaning frequently helps prevent cavities and plaque.
Floss daily. Using a floss-threader or interdental brush helps you reach between wires and teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste and consider an electric toothbrush for extra cleaning power around brackets and wires.
Take smaller bites and chew carefully. When you bite too big or too hard, you risk damaging the brackets or wires.
Attend all your scheduled orthodontic and dental check-ups. These visits are important for keeping progress on target.
Watch for signs of gum irritation (bleeding gums, swelling, loose teeth) and contact us if you notice anything unusual.

What to avoid

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as popcorn, hard candies, crusty breads, ice, and chewy sweets. These can break parts of your braces or loosen them.
Don’t bite directly into hard foods (e.g., apples, raw carrots). Cut them into smaller pieces instead.
Don’t try to fix broken brackets or wires yourself. Call our office for guidance. Until you can be seen, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp parts.
Don’t play sports (especially contact sports) without wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and your teeth.

Oral hygiene tips

Brush around each bracket and under wires, paying attention to the gum line.
Use interdental brushes or floss-threaders to reach between teeth and wires.
Rinse well after brushing, and if you’re unable to brush, chewing sugar-free gum (approved by your orthodontist) may help temporarily.
Keep your regular dental cleanings. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t replace your dental hygiene check-ups.

Eating with braces

You can still enjoy most foods, just with a little care. Safe choices include softer fruits, cooked vegetables, tender cuts of meat, pasta, rice, yoghurt and smoothies (avoiding seeds if possible).

Try to steer clear of:

Hard, sticky sweets like toffee or caramel
Hard breads or crusts (bagels, pizza crust)
Corn on the cob (cut off kernels)
Sugary sodas and drinks
Popcorn, nuts, ice

What to do if something goes wrong

If a bracket pops off, a wire bends or breaks, or you feel irritation from a sharp edge, call our clinic to book an emergency visit or for instructions. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax over sharp edges. Try to stay calm. These occurrences are manageable with timely care.