How to care for braces- Lombard

How to Care for Braces in Lombard, IL | Othman Orthodontics

How to Care for Braces in Lombard, IL

Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy During Orthodontic Treatment

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile—but it also comes with new routines. At Othman Orthodontics in Lombard, IL, we teach you exactly how to care for braces so your teeth stay clean, your gums stay healthy and your treatment stays on track.

We help braces patients from Lombard, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Villa Park, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Hinsdale, Westmont, Lisle and Naperville build good habits that protect their smile throughout treatment.

Why Braces Care Matters

Braces create small spaces where food and plaque can collect. If teeth aren’t cleaned properly, you can develop:

  • Cavities (tooth decay).
  • White spots (decalcification marks) around brackets.
  • Gum inflammation and bleeding.

The good news: with proper brushing, flossing and food choices, you can finish treatment with a straight, bright, healthy smile.

Brushing with Braces

How Often to Brush

With braces, you should brush:

  • At least twice a day (morning and night).
  • Ideally after every meal or snack to remove trapped food.

Brushing Technique

Follow these steps to clean around brackets and wires:

  1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
  2. Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle at the gumline and brush gently in small circles.
  3. Brush above the brackets, then directly on them, then below them.
  4. Be sure to clean the chewing surfaces and the inside surfaces of your teeth as well.
  5. Brush for a full two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.

We can show you exactly how to brush with braces at your appointment and answer any questions you have.

Flossing with Braces

Why Flossing Is Even More Important

Brushing alone can’t remove plaque between teeth and under the gumline. Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease—especially when you have braces.

Tools That Make Flossing Easier

You can use:

  • Floss threaders – to slide floss under the wire.
  • Orthodontic floss – pre-threaded or stiff-ended floss.
  • Water flossers – a helpful addition, especially around brackets and bands.

Flossing Steps

  1. Thread the floss under the archwire between two teeth.
  2. Wrap the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently slide under the gumline.
  3. Move up and down to remove plaque.
  4. Repeat between all teeth, top and bottom.

It may feel slow at first, but with practice flossing becomes easier and quicker.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Protecting Your Brackets and Wires

Certain foods can break brackets or bend wires, slowing down treatment. To keep your braces safe, avoid:

  • Sticky foods – caramel, taffy, chewing gum, gummy candy.
  • Hard foods – ice, nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels.
  • Very crunchy items – whole raw carrots, hard pretzels, crusty bread.

How to Enjoy Some Foods Safely

You don’t have to give up everything you love. Instead, modify how you eat:

  • Cut apples and raw veggies into small pieces instead of biting into them.
  • Remove corn from the cob before eating.
  • Cut pizza crust or bagels into smaller, manageable bites.

Braces-Friendly Foods

Good options include:

  • Soft fruits (bananas, berries, ripe pears).
  • Cooked vegetables, soups and stews.
  • Pasta, rice, eggs, yogurt and smoothies.
  • Soft bread, tortillas, pancakes and waffles.

These choices are easier on your braces and more comfortable when your teeth are sore after an adjustment.

Caring for Elastics, Bands and Other Appliances

Wearing Elastics (Rubber Bands)

If you’re given elastics:

  • Wear them exactly as instructed (usually 24/7 except for brushing and eating).
  • Change them as often as advised—usually multiple times per day.
  • Keep extra elastics with you in case one breaks or is lost.

Consistent elastic wear is one of the most important factors in finishing treatment on time.

Expanders and Other Appliances

If you have an expander or other appliance:

  • Follow our instructions for turning the expander, if needed.
  • Brush and clean around the appliance carefully.
  • Call us if anything feels loose or uncomfortable.

Managing Discomfort with Braces

It’s normal to feel soreness:

  • When braces are first placed.
  • After wires are changed or tightened.

To help:

  • Eat soft foods for a few days.
  • Use orthodontic wax on irritated spots.
  • Rinse with warm salt water.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your physician.

Keeping Regular Appointments

Good home care is important, but so are regular visits. Coming to your scheduled appointments allows us to:

  • Adjust wires and elastics to keep your teeth moving.
  • Check for loose brackets or bands.
  • Monitor your progress and answer questions.

If you need to reschedule, let us know as soon as possible so we can keep your treatment on time.

Seeing Your Dentist During Braces

Continue visiting your general dentist every six months (or as recommended) for:

  • Professional cleanings.
  • Fluoride treatments as needed.
  • Checkups and cavity prevention.

We work together with your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

Questions About Braces Care in Lombard, IL?

If you ever have questions about how to care for braces in Lombard, IL—from brushing and flossing tips to food choices—our team at Othman Orthodontics is here to help. Ask us at your next appointment or give us a call anytime.

With the right habits, you’ll finish treatment with a straight, healthy smile you’ll be proud to show off.