Braces Care: The Complete Guide to Maintaining Your Orthodontic Treatment in Fort Collins
When you invest in orthodontic treatment at Taft Hill Orthodontics in Fort Collins, proper maintenance becomes your pathway to achieving that perfect smile. Braces create new spaces in your mouth where food particles can hide, making daily care crucial for preventing cavities, gum disease, and staining. Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Addie Peterson have designed this comprehensive guide to help you navigate braces care with confidence.
Daily Cleaning Essentials: How to Keep Your Braces Spotless
Brushing Techniques That Make a Difference
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces requires special attention to detail. Follow these expert-recommended brushing techniques:
- Brush after every meal and snack – Food particles trapped in braces can lead to plaque buildup, increasing your risk of cavities and gum inflammation
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – Angle it at 45 degrees to clean both above and below the brackets
- Brush down from the top and up from the bottom on each tooth with a bracket
- Spend at least 2 minutes brushing – Divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each
- Consider an electric toothbrush – Many patients find these more effective at cleaning around brackets and wires
Hard Foods That Can Damage Your Braces
Your brackets and wires can be damaged by hard foods, potentially extending your treatment time. Avoid these common culprits:
| Hard Foods to Avoid | Why They’re Risky |
|---|---|
| Hard candy | Can break brackets instantly |
| Nuts | Hard texture can bend wires |
| Chips | Hard corners can snap brackets |
| Popcorn | Kernels can lodge under wires |
| Ice | Extremely damaging to orthodontic work |
| Corn on the cob | Can dislodge brackets when biting |
| Whole apples | Cut into small pieces instead |
| Raw carrots | Too hard for braces to handle |
| Crusty bread | Can bend wires and break brackets |
Sticky Foods That Threaten Your Treatment
Sticky foods can pull at brackets and wires, causing damage that needs professional repair:
What To Do During Braces Emergencies
Even with the best care, braces emergencies can happen. Here’s how to handle common issues:
Loose Bracket or Band
If a bracket or band comes loose:
- Save any detached pieces
- Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax
- Call our Fort Collins office at (970) 980-2145 for guidance
Poking Wire
When a wire extends out and irritates your cheek:
- Try pushing it back with a pencil eraser
- Cover with orthodontic wax if needed
- Never cut a wire yourself
- Contact us for assistance
Mouth Sores
Braces can sometimes cause irritation:
- Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water)
- Apply orthodontic wax to brackets causing irritation
- Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic like Orajel®
Advanced Cleaning Tools for Braces Wearers
At Taft Hill Orthodontics, we recommend these additional tools to enhance your braces care routine:
Water Flossers
Water flossers like Waterpik® can remove up to 99% of plaque from treated areas and are up to 50% more effective than traditional floss for braces wearers. The pulsating water reaches places traditional brushing might miss.
Fluoride Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash provides extra protection against cavities during orthodontic treatment. Swish for 60 seconds after brushing to strengthen enamel and reduce white spot lesions.
Orthodontic Wax
This clear, pliable wax can be applied to brackets or wires that cause irritation. Simply pinch off a small piece, roll into a ball, and press onto the problematic area.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports and Activities
If you play sports or participate in active hobbies, protecting your braces is crucial:
- Get a custom mouthguard – Regular mouthguards don’t accommodate braces
- Always wear your mouthguard during contact and non-contact sports
- Remove before eating or drinking (except water)
- Clean regularly with cool water and mild soap
Routine Check-ups: Why They Matter
Regular appointments at Taft Hill Orthodontics are essential for:
- Adjusting wires to keep teeth moving correctly
- Checking for any issues with brackets or bands
- Monitoring your overall progress
- Addressing any concerns about your treatment
Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson use advanced technology like iTero digital scanning and 3D printing to ensure your treatment stays on track.
Life After Braces: What to Expect
When your braces come off, your orthodontic journey isn’t quite complete. You’ll need to:
- Wear your retainer as prescribed – This prevents teeth from shifting back
- Continue excellent oral hygiene – Your newly aligned teeth deserve proper care
- Schedule regular dental cleanings – Professional cleanings help maintain your new smile
- Avoid habits that can shift teeth – Like nail biting or chewing on pens
Why Choose Taft Hill Orthodontics for Your Braces Care
At Taft Hill Orthodontics in Fort Collins, we offer:
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
- Cutting-edge technology including iTero scanners, digital X-rays, and KLOwen custom braces
- Multiple treatment options including traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign®
- Experienced orthodontists – Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Addie Peterson bring years of specialized training
- Comfortable, welcoming environment for patients of all ages
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces Care
How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
You should brush your teeth after every meal and snack when wearing braces. Food particles easily get trapped around brackets and wires, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. If you’re away from home, carry a travel toothbrush or at minimum, rinse thoroughly with water until you can brush properly. Establishing this habit early in your treatment helps prevent cavities and ensures your smile will look its best when the braces come off.
Will braces care take a lot of extra time in my daily routine?
Initially, proper braces care might add 5-10 minutes to your daily routine as you learn the techniques. However, most patients quickly adapt and develop efficient cleaning habits. The extra time investment pays off by preventing complications that could extend your treatment time. Many patients find using a timer helps ensure they’re spending adequate time on each part of their mouth. Remember that this temporary adjustment leads to a lifetime of benefits with your new smile.
How do I clean my braces when traveling?
Pack a travel oral hygiene kit containing a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss threaders, proxabrushes, and orthodontic wax. If you’re in a situation where brushing isn’t possible, vigorously rinse with water after eating and brush as soon as you can. For longer trips, consider bringing a water flosser if space allows. Dr. Hardy and Dr. Peterson recommend planning ahead for travel during your orthodontic treatment to maintain consistent care habits regardless of your location.
Can I still eat my favorite foods with braces?
While some restrictions apply, you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods with modification. Cut softer fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces instead of biting into them whole. Choose softer versions of foods when possible (pasta instead of crusty bread, meatloaf instead of tough steak). Remember that temporary dietary adjustments help ensure your treatment progresses efficiently. Our Fort Collins team can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific eating habits and orthodontic needs.
How do I know if something is wrong with my braces?
Signs that something may be wrong include:
- A loose or broken bracket (it will spin or move on the wire)
- Protruding wires that cause irritation
- Severe or persistent pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- Difficulty closing your mouth properly
- Significant movement of bands around your molars
If you experience any of these issues, contact our Fort Collins office promptly at (970) 980-2145. Quick attention to problems helps keep your treatment on schedule and prevents complications.
Ready to Perfect Your Braces Care Routine?
Our team at Taft Hill Orthodontics is committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile through proper braces care. If you have questions or concerns about maintaining your braces, we’re here to help.
📍 Visit Us: 1015 S. Taft Hill Rd., Suite K, Fort Collins, CO 80521
📞 Call: (970) 980-2145
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Serving Fort Collins and surrounding areas including Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, and Denver.
