Starting your orthodontic journey with braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. But to get the best results—and avoid unnecessary delays—it’s important to take good care of your braces every day.
At Dressler Orthodontics, we’re here to help you succeed throughout your treatment. Whether you’re wearing metal braces or ceramic braces, following a few simple care tips will help you stay on track and avoid common issues like broken brackets, discomfort, or tooth decay.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your braces, straight from the experts at our Chattanooga and South Pittsburg offices.
1. Brush After Every Meal
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is one of the most important parts of treatment. Food particles can easily get trapped around your brackets and wires, which can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and even cavities if not cleaned properly.
Our advice:
- Brush after every meal and snack (or at least twice per day if brushing that often isn’t realistic)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning
- Angle your brush to clean around all sides of each bracket and along the gumline
- Spend at least 2 minutes brushing to ensure a thorough clean
You can also ask our team for tips on orthodontic toothbrushes or fluoride toothpaste options that offer extra protection during treatment.
2. Floss Every Day—Yes, Really!
Flossing can feel tricky with braces at first, but it’s still essential for keeping your gums healthy and preventing plaque buildup between teeth.
Helpful tools for flossing with braces:
- Floss threaders: These help you guide floss under your wires
- Orthodontic floss picks: Convenient for flossing on the go
- Water flossers: A great option for patients who struggle with string floss
We’ll show you how to floss properly at your appointment and help you find a technique that works for you.
3. Avoid Foods That Can Damage Your Braces
Some foods can bend wires or break brackets, which can slow down your progress and require extra visits to the office. To protect your braces—and keep your treatment moving forward—it’s important to avoid:
- Sticky candies like gum, taffy, or caramels
- Crunchy snacks like popcorn, hard chips, or pretzels
- Hard foods like nuts, ice, raw carrots, or apples (unless cut into small pieces)
- Chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails
We know it’s not always easy to skip your favorite treats, but making smart food choices now will help you reach your smile goals faster!
4. Use Orthodontic Wax for Comfort
It’s completely normal to experience some mild irritation during the first few days after getting braces or after an adjustment. If your brackets or wires are rubbing against your cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax can help.
Just pinch off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and place it over the bracket or wire that’s bothering you. This creates a smooth barrier and reduces friction until your mouth adjusts.
If discomfort continues or a wire comes loose, give our office a call—we’re here to help!
5. Attend All Scheduled Appointments
Your scheduled checkups with Dr. Dressler are a key part of your progress. During these visits, we’ll make adjustments, check for any issues, and keep your treatment on track.
Skipping appointments or delaying adjustments can extend your treatment time, so we always recommend keeping your visits as scheduled. If something comes up and you need to reschedule, just let us know as early as possible and we’ll find a time that works.
6. Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you play sports or lead an active lifestyle, protecting your braces (and your smile) is a must. We strongly recommend wearing a custom orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports or activities where there’s a risk of injury to the face or mouth.
These mouthguards are specially designed to fit over braces and offer better protection than standard mouthguards you’d find in stores.
If you need one, just ask during your next visit—we can help you get fitted for one that works with your treatment.
7. Stay Positive—You're Doing Great!
Braces require some adjustments, but remember: every day you're wearing them is a step closer to your new smile. It’s completely normal to have questions, frustrations, or occasional setbacks. That’s why we’re here—to guide you, support you, and celebrate your progress along the way.
At Dressler Orthodontics, we’re not just straightening teeth—we’re helping build confidence and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re brand new to braces or a few months into your treatment, our team at Dressler Orthodontics is always available to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable. From Chattanooga to South Pittsburg, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in your smile journey.
Call us anytime or schedule your next appointment online—and keep up the great work!