Keep things clean.
Whether or not you wear braces, good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your smile healthy and looking great. Braces have areas that hide food and plaque, which can lead to decalcification stains, cavities and gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing is a must.

Our office will supply you with all the tools you need to keep your mouth healthy. Our on-staff hygienist and certified orthodontic assistants will instruct you on proper brushing and flossing techniques for wearing braces. We also recommend using fluoridated toothpaste and a fluoride rinse while you're wearing braces.

Watch your diet.
Your orthodontic appliances must be handled with care. Hard pressure or repeated motion applied to the appliances/braces can cause damage or breakage. That's why we ask that you make certain choices when it comes to eating.

The basic rule is, stay away from sticky, chewy, gummy or hard foods. Sodas contain sugar and acids that are very damaging to your teeth's enamel, so substitute those drinks with something better. Avoid chewing on toothpicks, pencils, ice cubes, and even fingernails—they've all been known to break away braces.

Protect your smile.
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. If you play sports, you should always wear a mouth guard. A properly fitted mouth guard not only helps to protect your teeth, but also your brackets and other appliances. Additionally, a mouth guard provides a barrier between your cheeks and lips and your braces, further limiting injury.

And remember to wear your retainer to help maintain your smile. If your retainers feel tight, it's probably a sign you need to wear them more often!