Orthodontic Tips & Tricks
Expert advice and helpful tips from the Bales & King team to make your orthodontic journey as smooth and successful as possible.
Treatment Success Tips
Follow Instructions
Always follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding wear time for rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances. Compliance is key to staying on schedule!
Keep All Appointments
Regular adjustment appointments are crucial. Missing or rescheduling frequently can extend your treatment time by months.
Wear Rubber Bands as Directed
If you’re prescribed rubber bands (elastics), wear them 24/7 unless instructed otherwise. They’re essential for correcting your bite and can’t do their job if they’re not in your mouth!
Take Photos of Your Progress
Document your smile journey with monthly selfies. It’s amazing to look back and see how far you’ve come—especially on days when progress feels slow!
Comfort & Care Tips
Stock Up on Orthodontic Wax
Keep wax with you at all times—in your bag, car, locker, and at home. It’s a lifesaver for covering any brackets or wires that cause irritation.
Ice and Soft Foods After Adjustments
Your teeth may be sore for a few days after adjustments. Eat soft foods, drink cold beverages, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Use a Waterpik or Water Flosser
These devices make cleaning around braces much easier and more effective than traditional floss alone. They’re especially helpful for reaching tricky spots.
Keep Emergency Supplies
Create a small kit with wax, pain reliever, a small mirror, and our office contact information. Keep it accessible for quick fixes on the go.
Rinse with Salt Water
If your mouth feels sore or irritated, rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) several times a day to promote healing.
Oral Hygiene Hacks
Brush After Every Meal
Make it a habit to brush after eating, even snacks. Keep a travel toothbrush kit at school or work so you’re always prepared.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning around brackets and wires. They also have built-in timers to ensure you brush for the full 2 minutes.
Invest in a Floss Threader or Orthodontic Floss
Special floss designed for braces makes this essential task much faster and easier. Consider pre-threaded floss picks for convenience.
Check Your Teeth in a Mirror
After brushing, check your braces in a mirror to make sure no food is stuck. It’s better to catch it yourself than hear about it later!
Use Fluoride Mouthwash
Daily fluoride rinses help strengthen enamel and prevent white spots (decalcification) around brackets. Rinse after brushing at bedtime.
Lifestyle & Food Tips
Cut Food into Small Pieces
Instead of biting into apples, sandwiches, or pizza, cut them into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth. This protects your brackets.
Avoid the "Forbidden Foods"
Resist the temptation of popcorn, hard candy, gum, and sticky treats. One moment of indulgence could mean an emergency visit and delayed progress.
Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks
Soda, sports drinks, and juice can lead to cavities and staining around brackets. Water is your best friend—it rinses away food particles too!
Be Careful with Utensils
Don’t bite forks, pencils, or pen caps—this can damage brackets. Also avoid biting your nails or chewing on ice.
Bonus Tips from Our Team
A few more insider tips to help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Set Reminders for Rubber Bands
Use your phone to set reminders to change your rubber bands regularly. Fresh elastics work better than stretched-out ones.
Stay Positive
Orthodontic treatment is temporary, but your beautiful smile is forever! Focus on the amazing end result, especially on difficult days.
Join Online Communities
Connect with others going through orthodontic treatment in online forums or social media groups. Sharing experiences can be encouraging!
Celebrate Milestones
Treat yourself when you reach treatment milestones—halfway point, getting rubber bands off, or moving to the final wire. You deserve it!
Ask Questions
Never hesitate to ask our team questions at your appointments. We're here to help and want you to feel informed and confident throughout treatment.
Plan Ahead for Special Events
If you have a big event coming up (prom, wedding, photos), let us know! We can sometimes schedule adjustments around important dates to minimize soreness.
The Golden Rules of Orthodontic Treatment
1. Wear Your Appliances
Follow all instructions for rubber bands, retainers, and other appliances
2. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss diligently after every meal
3. Avoid Prohibited Foods
Protect your investment by avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
4. Attend All Appointments
Regular visits keep your treatment progressing on schedule
Have More Questions?
Our team is always happy to share tips and answer your questions. We’re here to support you every step of the way!