How to Deal with Braces

Co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Approved

If you just got braces, you're probably still getting used to the new pieces of metal in your mouth. The first week is always the toughest, but after that, it's smooth sailing to a beautiful, straight smile. To help you get used to your new braces, we've compiled everything you need to know about managing discomfort, eating with braces, and keeping your teeth clean.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Coping With Pain

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1
Eat cold foods. Cold foods can help you deal with the pain of braces. Things like ice cream, popsicles, fruit smoothies, and frozen yogurt can temporarily numb the pain. If your braces are bothering you, try treating yourself to a cold snack.^{[1]
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- However, remember not to overdo it on sugar. If you've already had ice cream to numb the pain, have a healthy smoothie with frozen fruit instead of another sugary snack.
2
Do a salt water rinse. Mix some table salt in a glass of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it back into the sink. For some, rinsing with salt water can numb pain in the mouth. Salt water can also help heal cuts and abrasions in your mouth from your new braces.
- Keep in mind, salt water does not work for everyone. If salt water irritates your mouth, stop using it.
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3
Try over-the-counter painkillers. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to help numb pain caused by braces. If your mouth is chronically sore, taking over-the-counter painkillers on occasion can dull the pain. Make sure to only take the dosage recommended on the bottle.
- If you're on any existing medication, talk to a pharmacist to make sure it does not interact poorly with over-the-counter medication.
4
Talk to your orthodontist about wax. When you go in to get your braces adjusted, ask your doctor about wax. An orthodontist can place wax between your gums and braces. This provides a barrier that can ease some pain. If you're experiencing pain, having an orthodontist apply wax at your next adjustment can really cut down on discomfort.
- Your orthodontist can give you wax to use at home. To use the wax, roll a portion of wax into a small ball. Then, press it against the front of your braces. Do this with any of the braces irritate your mouth or rub against your gums and lips.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Teeth

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Learn to brush your teeth carefully. Brushing your teeth changes when you have braces. After getting your braces put on, learn to brush your teeth carefully. Talk to your orthodontist about how to best brush your teeth and follow their instructions carefully. With braces, you brush each tooth carefully from the top to the bottom. Shift the brush at a 45-degree angle to get both the tops and the bottoms of your teeth while brushing. Then, use your brush to brush the bottom and inside surfaces of your teeth. You should also brush 3 times a day.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Make sure to clean all of your teeth. Do not forget to brush the area below the braces. This area is frequently neglected.
- A dentist may request that you use a special brush, called an interproximal brush, to clean between your braces. If a dentist gives you a brush like this, talk to them about how to best use it.
2
Floss with braces. Flossing with braces can be a challenge. To start, gently feed the short end of the floss through the uppermost portion of your teeth, near your gums and the main arch of your braces. Saw back and forth to work the floss between your two teeth. Then, repeat between all the other gaps between your teeth.
- Be very gentle when flossing with braces. Do not press against the wire arch of your braces when flossing.
3
Make a braces kit. A braces kit can be a handy tool to carry with you throughout the day. You can bring the kit with you to places like school or work. If anything happens with your braces while you're out, you will have the supplies you need. In a small toiletries bag, store the following:^{[3]
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- A mini toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Dental picks
- A small mirror
- A pack of tissues
- Some wax for your teeth
4
Brush your teeth in public when necessary. Sometimes, food may get caught in your teeth when you're not home. In this case, take your dental kit to a public restroom. Take out the supplies you need to brush your teeth or dislodge anything stuck between your gums.^{[4]
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- As brushing your teeth in public can feel awkward, try to find a private bathroom if possible.
- If you do have to brush your teeth in a public restroom, remember lots of people have braces. Most people will be understanding that you need to occasionally brush your teeth in public.
5
Focus on the long term benefits. It can be grating to have to wear braces. You may feel embarrassed or insecure about your braces. However, remember braces have positive long term effects. Even if you dislike having to wear braces now, remember that your teeth will be straighter and healthier. If you start to feel discouraged due to your braces, think about how nice your teeth will look when you get them removed.^{[5]
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- Try making your braces fun. Some dentists can provide you with special colors or glitter. This can make you feel excited about wearing braces. You can also look into invisible braces.
- If you're insecure about your smile, try focusing on other aspects of how you look. Invest in some new clothes. Change your hairstyle. Try a new makeup routine.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Eating With Braces

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1
Chew slowly. When you're first adjusting to braces, eating can be difficult. You may find yourself struggling to chew and food may be harder to swallow. Chewing slowly can help you get a feel for how to eat with your braces. It can also cut down on cuts and other injuries.^{[6]
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- Try to make a habit of chewing a set number of times, like 10 times, for each bite.
- You can also try to time how long it takes you to eat a meal. Strive to make every meal last 20 minutes, for example.
2
Go for soft food. At first, you should only eat softer foods when you have braces. Harder foods can be hard to chew and cause pain. Stick to things like mashed potatoes, soft fruits, soups, noodle dishes, and other foods that are easy to chew.^{[7]
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- This can be frustrating, but remember it's only temporary. The longer you have braces, the more comfortable you will be eating with them. Eventually, you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods even though you have braces.
3
Avoid certain types of foods. Some foods should be mostly avoided while you have braces. Certain types of chewy or sticky foods can easily stick to your braces. Even after you've adjusted to your braces, you should still avoid the following:
- Gummy snacks
- Foods with tough textures, like bagels and apples
- Corn on the cob
- Hard snacks like pretzels and nuts
- Chicken wings, beef jerky, and wings
- Pizza crusts
- Pickles
- Bubble gum
At first, it can be frustrating not to enjoy the foods you love. However, remember to have patience. With time, people are able to adjust to their new braces. As pain decreases, and you get more comfortable chewing, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods while wearing your braces.^{[8]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Should I use over-the-counter braces?

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE

Licensed Dentist

Expert Answer

Consult a professional before pursuing anything that's over-the-counter. These products aren't customized to a point that's specific to each patient. You may feel more confident and comfortable with an orthodontist tracking and supervising you.

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Question

How many times a day should I brush?

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.

Alina Lane, DDS

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

While most people want to brush twice a day, you want to move that up to 3 times a day when you have braces. It's really easy for food and debris to get stuck in your braces, so brushing regularly is paramount. If possible, brush after each meal!

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If you play flute or any brass instrument, but especially trumpet, playing will chafe the inside of your lips and make them quite sore for a while. Usually, however, this goes away after you practice for a week or two and you'll feel fine. Try to avoid using wax when you play, however, as it will just lengthen the time it takes you to get used to playing with braces.

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Never eat hard food. It can cause pain and it would be difficult to chew. Go for soft and healthy eating. It can be mashed potato, oatmeal, then some soft fruits. Sometimes you can have ice cream, not always.

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Don't forget to go to your regular dentist check-ups (as well as your orthodontist appointments) every six months.

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When you first get braces, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and soups. Harder foods will be painful and difficult to chew at first. Be patient - you'll eventually adjust.
When brushing with braces, take the time to carefully clean each tooth top to bottom. Pay special attention to areas under the braces. Neglecting hygiene leads to problems.
Make a "braces survival kit" to keep with you. Include floss, a mini toothbrush, toothpaste, wax, and a small mirror. That way you can quickly fix issues when you're out.
Even if you dislike how they look, remember braces are temporary but deliver long-term benefits. Focus on how great your smile will eventually be.
Use dental wax liberally at first. Have your orthodontist show you how to apply it properly between your braces and gums to reduce irritation.

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Warnings

Follow what your orthodontist says, as this can possibly speed up your treatment time.

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Helpful 96 Not Helpful 7
Avoid fiddling with any part of your brace. This could cause damage.

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If you’ve been given small elastic bands to wear on your brace, wear them 24 hours a day or for the period of time you were told to keep them on.

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Thumb sucking is not allowed with the brace - stop it or you’ll cause issues with your treatment and you may have to keep that brace on for longer.

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