Caring for Your Braces
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important while wearing braces. Regular brushing and flossing help prevent cavities and gum problems, and they make your orthodontic treatment smoother and more comfortable. Many patients in Kent, WA also visit their dentist more frequently for cleanings while in treatment. If you’re an adult with a history of gum disease, we may recommend seeing a periodontist during treatment to ensure your gums stay healthy.
Proper care helps your smile stay on track, below are helpful tips to guide you through the most common situations you may experience with braces.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Sore After Getting Braces?
It’s normal to feel some soreness when braces are first placed or adjusted. This tenderness usually lasts 3–5 days and is a sign that your teeth are starting to move into better positions.
You may notice:
- Soreness when biting or chewing
- Tender spots on your lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Mild irritation as your mouth gets used to the brackets and wires
To help ease discomfort:
- Take Tylenol or your usual preferred pain relief
- Use orthodontic wax on areas that feel irritated
- Stick to softer foods for a few days
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore spots
Most patients feel much better after the first week as their mouth adjusts.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose During Treatment?
Feeling like your teeth are a little “wiggly” can be surprising, but it’s completely normal. Teeth need to loosen slightly so they can move into their new positions.
Here’s what to expect:
- Teeth may feel a bit loose off and on
- This feeling comes and goes throughout treatment
- Teeth will become firm again once they reach their final corrected positions
This is part of the natural movement process, so don’t worry, looseness is a sign that progress is happening.
What Should I Do If a Bracket, Band, or Wire Comes Loose?
Loose brackets or poking wires can happen from time to time. If something feels out of place, stay calm, these situations are common and easily fixed.
Try these steps:
- Gently push a poking wire back into place with the eraser end of a pencil
- Cover irritating areas with orthodontic wax
- Avoid playing with the loose part
- Call our Kent, WA office as soon as possible so we can repair it
If irritation continues, keep using wax until your visit. We’ll make sure everything is comfortable again.
Why Do I Need to Wear Rubber Bands or Other Appliances?
Rubber bands (elastics) and other appliances help guide your bite into the right position. Braces straighten teeth, but elastics help align the bite, both are needed for the best final result.
Treatment only works when you:
- Wear rubber bands exactly as instructed
- Replace elastics daily
- Avoid losing or damaging appliances
- Let us know if something breaks
The more consistent you are, the faster and more smoothly your treatment will progress.
How Can I Stay Safe Playing Sports With Braces?
If you play sports, especially contact sports, it’s important to protect your teeth and braces.
We recommend:
- Wearing an orthodontic mouthguard for games and practices
- Letting us know what sport you play so we can fit the right guard
- Bringing your mouthguard to appointments so we can check the fit
A well-fitted guard helps prevent injuries to your lips, cheeks, and teeth while still allowing you to play comfortably.
Helping You Stay Comfortable and Confident Throughout Treatment
Your braces journey is a team effort, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. With good home care, regular check-ins, and guidance from our Kent, WA team, you’ll keep your smile healthy and your treatment moving smoothly. If you ever have questions or need help, just reach out, we’re always happy to make your orthodontic experience easier and more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about orthodontic care and what to expect along the way. This section offers clear, straightforward answers to help you understand how treatment works and how we support you through each step. It’s an easy way to learn more before your first visit and feel confident about your smile journey.
Can I eat normally with braces?
An orthodontic checkup is recommended around age 7, but treatment can start at any age. Many adults in Bellevue begin care later in life with great results. Dr. Soper evaluates your teeth, bite, and growth patterns to find the right time for treatment.
What should I do if I get a mouth sore from my braces?
Mouth sores can happen as your lips and cheeks adjust to braces. To ease discomfort:
Use orthodontic wax
Rinse with warm salt water
Stick to softer foods until the spot feels better
If a sore doesn’t improve, let us know—we’ll help you find relief.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
It’s best to wait until braces come off to begin whitening. Whitening products can lighten the exposed part of the tooth but not the area under the brackets, which may lead to uneven color. After treatment, we can recommend safe whitening options.
How do I know if something is an emergency?
Most braces problems are minor and can be handled at home until your next visit. But if you’re in pain, something breaks, or a wire is poking and can’t be adjusted, give our office a call. We’re here to help and will guide you on what to do next.
Are sports safe to play with braces?
Yes, just be sure to wear a sports mouthguard. A properly fitted mouthguard protects your teeth, braces, and lips during practices and games. If you need help choosing one, our team can recommend the best option for your sport.