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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BRACES

Congratulations on starting your braces journey!
This is an exciting step achieving a beautiful smile. Be sure to take a moment to read the care instructions provided, as they will you maintain your braces and ensure the best results. Remember, taking good care of your braces is key to a smooth and successful experience!

Daily Oral Hygiene

Brush at least 2–3 times a day

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush

  • Angle the brush toward the gums and around brackets

  • Brush above, below, and on each bracket

  • Brush for 2 full minutes

Floss every day

  • Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss-picks, or a water flosser

  • Be gentle to avoid damaging wires

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​​Foods to Avoid

To prevent broken brackets and bent wires, avoid:

  • Hard foods (Examples: Ice, Nuts, Hard candy, Popcorn kernels)

  • Sticky or chewy foods (Example: Caramel, Taffy, Gum, Gummy candies)

  • Crunchy foods (Example: Chips, Pretzels, Crusty Bread)

Tips:
✔ Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces
✔ Choose softer foods when possible

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What to Expect After Adjustments

  • Mild soreness or pressure for 1–3 days is normal

  • Eat soft foods (yogurt, pasta, soup, mashed potatoes)

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers may help (as approved by your doctor)

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Managing Discomfort

  • Use orthodontic wax if brackets or wires irritate your cheeks or lips

  • Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in a cup of warm water)

  • Contact our office if discomfort continues or worsens

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Broken Brackets, Wires, Expanders, Appliances, or Retainers

​Notify our office if:

  • A bracket comes loose

  • A wire is broken

  • A band feels loose

  • An Expander or appliance has come loose

  • A retainer is broken or not fitting well

We will let you know if you can wait until your next appointment or if you should schedule an appointment sooner for evaluation.  Bring any pieces of your broken appliance (except for a bracket).

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Orthodontic "Emergencies"

Most orthodontic issues can be managed at home and are not true emergencies. While they may be uncomfortable, they are rarely urgent.

  • Pokey or Irritating Wires

    • Use orthodontic wax to cover the wire or bracket

    • If needed, gently push the wire away from the cheek using a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab

    • Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation

    • If the wire is long and pokey, you can clip the wire with a clean wire cutter or nail clipper

    • If the wire is very bothersome and cannot be managed, contact our office during regular hours

  • Loose or Broken Brackets

    • If a bracket is loose but still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover with wax if needed

    • If the bracket comes completely off, you may leave it off. If there is a long wire poking, you may clip it with a clean wire cutter or nail clipper

    • Call our office to schedule a repair or advice —this usually does not require an immediate visit

  • Loose Bands or Spacers

    • A loose band or lost spacer is usually not urgent

    • If the band comes off completely, please save it and bring to your appointment

    • Call the office so we can determine if it needs to be replaced

  • General Discomfort or Soreness

    • Mild pain after adjustments is normal

    • Eat soft foods and use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

    • Discomfort typically improves within a few days

Important Reminder

If you experience:

  • Severe trauma to the face or mouth

  • Heavy bleeding

  • Swelling related to injury

Seek immediate medical or dental care.

For all braces-related concerns, please contact our office during normal business hours.

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If you are a Kind Orthodontics Patient and  having an orthodontic emergency, need advice, have an urgent question, or need immediate assistance outside of normal office hours, you can text or call the Doctors (please leave a message) at our After-Hours Emergency Phone Number: (510) 736-0067. This phone number is for Kind Orthodontic Patients only.

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Sports & Activities

  • Always wear a mouthguard during sports (make sure to get one specifically made for BRACES)

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Appointments Matter

  • Keep all scheduled appointments

  • Missed or delayed visits can extend treatment time

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Remember:

✔ Clean braces = healthy teeth
✔ Follow food guidelines
✔ Call us with any concerns

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Your cooperation helps ensure a healthy smile and successful treatment!

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