How to Care for Braces in Orland Park, IL
Everyday Habits for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Braces are an investment in your smile—and how you care for them makes a big difference in your final results. At Othman Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, we teach patients exactly how to care for braces so they can avoid problems and finish treatment with strong, healthy teeth.
We serve braces patients from Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox and Lockport.
Why Good Braces Care Is Essential
Brackets and wires create many tiny spaces where food and plaque can hide. Without proper care, this can lead to:
- Cavities between and around teeth.
- White spot lesions (permanent marks) around brackets.
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums.
Good hygiene and smart food choices help you avoid these issues and protect your smile.
Brushing with Braces
How Often to Brush
We recommend brushing:
- At least two to three times per day.
- After meals or snacks whenever possible.
Brushing Technique
To brush effectively with braces:
- Use a soft toothbrush or electric brush with fluoride toothpaste.
- Angle the bristles toward the gumline and brush gently in small circles.
- Brush above the brackets, over the brackets and below the brackets.
- Clean the chewing surfaces and tongue as well.
- Brush for at least two minutes.
Our Orland Park team will show you how to brush around brackets and wires at your visits.
Flossing with Braces
Tools for Easier Flossing
Flossing with braces is easier when you use the right tools:
- Floss threaders to guide floss under the wire.
- Super floss or orthodontic floss with stiff ends.
- Water flossers to help flush out food around brackets and bands.
How to Floss with Braces
- Thread the floss under the archwire between two teeth.
- Slide the floss gently under the gums on one tooth, then the other.
- Move up and down to remove plaque.
- Repeat for each pair of teeth.
Aim to floss at least once a day—your gums and teeth will thank you.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Protecting Your Brackets and Wires
Some foods can break brackets or bend wires. To avoid extra appointments and delays, stay away from:
- Sticky foods: caramel, taffy, chewing gum, gummy candies.
- Hard foods: nuts, ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels.
- Very chewy bread or crusts that require strong biting.
Safer Choices
You can often modify foods to make them braces-friendly:
- Cut fruit like apples into small slices.
- Steam or cook vegetables instead of eating them very hard and raw.
- Cut items like bagels or pizza into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Braces-Friendly Meal Ideas
Comfortable options include:
- Yogurt, smoothies and scrambled eggs.
- Mashed potatoes, rice and pasta.
- Soft-cooked vegetables and soups.
- Soft fruits like bananas and berries.
Caring for Elastics and Other Orthodontic Appliances
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
If you’re prescribed elastics:
- Wear them exactly as directed—usually all day and night.
- Change them regularly (often several times a day) to keep them effective.
- Keep extra elastics in your backpack, purse or pocket.
Wearing elastics properly is one of the biggest factors in finishing treatment on schedule.
Expanders and Other Appliances
For expanders and similar appliances:
- Follow our instructions for turning the expander if applicable.
- Brush carefully around the appliance to remove trapped food.
- Let us know right away if anything feels loose or broken.
Handling Discomfort with Braces
Mild soreness is normal:
- After braces are first placed.
- After adjustments or when new wires are placed.
To feel more comfortable:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Use orthodontic wax on any areas rubbing your cheeks or lips.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore spots.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication as recommended.
Regular Appointments & Dental Visits
Good braces care includes:
- Keeping your orthodontic appointments so we can adjust wires and check progress.
- Seeing your general dentist every 6 months (or as recommended) for cleanings and checkups.
Orthodontic care and general dental care work together to protect your teeth and gums.
Questions About Braces Care in Orland Park, IL?
If you’re ever unsure about how to care for braces in Orland Park, IL, the team at Othman Orthodontics is here to help. Whether it’s brushing, flossing, food choices or dealing with soreness, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
With consistent care, you’ll move smoothly through treatment and reveal the straight, confident smile you’ve been working toward.