Braces 101

Maintaining a clean smile during orthodontic treatment is crucial for your overall oral health. Daily brushing and flossing around your braces helps prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues. At Dr. Ana Calles Zand Orthodontics in San Rafael, we encourage thorough daily hygiene to minimize the need for additional professional care. For adult patients with a history of gum concerns, we also recommend continuing regular visits with your periodontist in addition to your orthodontic checkups to ensure complete care for both your alignment and gum health.

Wondering what you can eat with braces? In the beginning, it’s best to stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies to avoid putting pressure on your braces. Steer clear of tough meats, hard breads, and raw veggies. As you adjust, you can slowly add more variety to your meals—but continue to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that could damage your braces and delay your progress.

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

It’s completely normal to feel some soreness and sensitivity in your teeth and mouth for the first 3 to 5 days after getting braces.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease the discomfort. You might also notice some irritation on your lips, cheeks, or tongue—this usually improves as your mouth adjusts.
Orthodontic wax is available to help soothe any areas where the braces may be causing irritation.

It’s normal for your teeth to feel a bit loose during treatment—this means they’re moving into their proper positions. This slight mobility is a natural part of the orthodontic process and a sign that your braces are doing their job.

From time to time, a wire or band may come loose. If a wire is bothering your mouth, try gently pushing it back into place with the eraser end of a pencil. To ease any irritation, you can apply orthodontic wax or a small piece of wet cotton until you’re able to see your orthodontist for a repair.

For the best results from your orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to stay closely aligned with Dr. Ana’s instructions.

Your teeth and jaws will only shift into the correct positions if you wear your rubber bands or other prescribed appliances consistently.
Delays or damage caused by not following the recommended care can extend your treatment time, so be sure to follow her guidance carefully every step of the way.

If you play sports or an instrument, be sure to let us know so we can provide you with a protective mouthguard or advise you on how to play your instrument with braces.
This extra step helps keep your braces (and your smile) safe during these activities.