Life With Braces at River City Orthodontics

Starting orthodontic treatment is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. At River City Orthodontics, we want your experience with braces to feel smooth, manageable, and even enjoyable. Whether you’re a teen beginning treatment for the first time or an adult finally prioritizing your smile, knowing what to expect day-to-day can make all the difference. This page walks you through the essentials of life with braces, from brushing and eating to managing soreness and protecting your appliances, so you feel prepared from day one.

Braces do more than straighten teeth. They create a foundation for better long-term oral health, improved bite function, and a smile you’ll be proud of for decades. And while the transition may take a little getting used to, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Brushing and Flossing With Braces

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is one of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment. Because braces create more spaces where plaque can hide, brushing and flossing consistently becomes essential.

How to Keep Your Smile Healthy During Treatment

• Brush after every meal to prevent buildup around your brackets and wires.
• Floss daily using a floss threader or specialty orthodontic floss.
• Rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash to help reach tough areas.
• Adults with a history of gum disease may benefit from visits with a periodontist during treatment.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum irritation, and staining while ensuring the fastest, healthiest orthodontic progress.

Eating With Braces

Wondering what you can eat with braces? A good rule of thumb: choose soft, comfortable foods during your first few days and avoid anything that could damage your brackets or wires. Protecting your appliances helps keep your smile on track and prevents unnecessary repairs.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
• Foods you bite into: corn on the cob, whole apples, carrots
• Pro Tip: Cut firm foods into bite-sized pieces to reduce stress on your braces.

Also, avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails. These habits can damage your appliances and extend treatment time.

General Soreness: What to Expect

It’s normal to feel mild soreness when your braces are placed or adjusted. Most patients describe it as pressure or tenderness, which typically fades within 3–5 days.

To stay comfortable:

• Use over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol.
• Apply orthodontic wax to areas that feel irritated.
• Stick to softer foods until your bite feels normal again.

If you run out of wax or have a question about soreness, our team is always here to help.

Tooth Mobility During Treatment

Feeling your teeth move slightly is completely normal. In fact, tooth mobility is a key part of orthodontic progress. Your teeth loosen as they shift into healthier positions and will stabilize again once treatment is complete.

Loose Wires or Bands

Occasionally, a wire or bracket may come loose. Don’t worry, this is a common part of orthodontic care.

What to Do

• Call our office so we can schedule a repair appointment.
• Use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation until you’re seen.

Prompt attention helps ensure your treatment stays on schedule.

Rubber Band Wear: Your Role in Treatment

Rubber bands (elastics) are a crucial part of correcting how your teeth and jaws fit together. For treatment to finish on time, consistent wear is essential.

Think of rubber bands as teamwork, your daily effort + Dr. Boyd’s guidance = your best possible smile.

Skipping rubber bands, or wearing them inconsistently, almost always leads to longer treatment.

Playing Sports With Braces

Athletes can absolutely continue playing sports during treatment. Just make sure to protect your smile.

Mouthguard Recommendation

If you’re wearing braces, we recommend the Shock Doctor orthodontic mouthguard, designed specifically to fit comfortably over brackets. You can find it at most sporting goods stores.

Keeping your smile safe means fewer emergencies and smoother treatment overall.

Your Journey With Braces Starts Here

Adjusting to life with braces takes time, but with the right habits and support, the transition becomes easy, and even exciting. At River City Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through every milestone, answer every question, and celebrate every breakthrough.

Have questions or need help with your braces? Give us a call anytime, your smile is our priority.