Braces Care Tips That Make Daily Routines Simple

Braces are an exciting step toward improving the health and look of your smile, but they come with a learning curve when it comes to daily care. I’m Dr. Steve Degenhardt, and at Degenhardt Orthodontics, I remind my patients in Birmingham and Milford that brushing, flossing, and smart habits make all the difference in keeping treatment on track. With the right approach, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while avoiding unnecessary trips back to the chair. Let’s start with the basics of brushing and how to make it part of your everyday routine.

Brushing Basics

Braces create a few extra hiding spots for food, which makes brushing a vital part of every routine. I recommend brushing after meals when possible, and always at least twice a day. 

Use a soft-bristled or orthodontic toothbrush, angle the bristles toward the brackets, and take time to clean both above and below the wires. An electric toothbrush can also be a helpful tool for a more thorough clean, and many patients like keeping a travel brush in their backpack, purse, or car for quick touch-ups on the go. 

Consistency is key in keeping your smile healthy! Let’s move on to flossing, a step that may take a little practice but pays off in healthier gums and cleaner teeth.

Flossing Without the Frustration

Flossing around brackets and wires takes more patience than brushing, but once you find the method that works for you, it quickly becomes routine. The goal is to clean the spots your toothbrush can’t reach, keeping gums healthy and teeth strong throughout treatment. There are several tools that can make the process smoother:

• Floss threaders – like a needle-and-thread approach to help slip floss under the wires.
• Orthodontic flossers – pre-threaded options that save time and make it easier for younger patients.
• Water flossers – a fast, effective way to flush out food particles with a stream of water.

I encourage my patients at Degenhardt Orthodontics to set aside a few minutes each night for flossing since it makes a big difference over time. Next, let’s talk about the role food choices play in keeping your braces safe and your treatment moving forward.

Foods That Treat Your Braces Well

Getting braces often means adjusting your diet, but it doesn’t have to feel limiting. The goal is to avoid foods that can break brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in hard-to-clean places. With a little planning, you’ll find plenty of tasty choices that are safe and satisfying.

Braces-friendly options include:

• Soft fruits like bananas, grapes, or applesauce
• Dairy foods such as yogurt, string cheese, or smoothies
• Cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini
• Grains and starches such as pasta, rice, or soft bread
• Proteins like scrambled eggs, tender chicken, or meatballs

Foods to skip for now:

• Sticky sweets like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears
• Crunchy treats such as popcorn, pretzels, or hard chips
• Tough or chewy foods like bagels, jerky, or corn on the cob
• Hard candy or ice, which can easily damage brackets and wires

Simple swaps can make the adjustment easier, for example, choosing a soft chocolate bar instead of sticky candy, or enjoying mashed potatoes instead of crunchy fries. 

Next, let’s cover how to handle unexpected issues like a loose bracket or a poking wire without losing momentum.

Handling the Unexpected

Even when you’re doing everything right, small hiccups with braces can still happen. The good news is that most of these aren’t emergencies, and I’ll walk you through what to do until you can come in for a visit.

Loose Bracket

If a bracket comes loose, don’t worry. Call Degenhardt Orthodontics so we can schedule a repair. In the meantime, leave it in place and stay away from foods that might make it worse.

Poking Wire

Wires sometimes shift and create a sharp edge. I recommend using orthodontic wax to cover the spot until I can adjust it in the office. If you don’t have wax, a clean cotton ball can help temporarily.

Missing Elastic or Ligature

If a small elastic pops off, it’s not urgent, but let us know. I’ll replace it at your next visit and keep your treatment running smoothly.

Most brace-related hiccups are easy fixes when you know the tricks. Next, let’s cover how to make sure your braces stay protected during practices and games.

Playing It Safe

Sports are a big part of life for many of my patients, and braces shouldn’t stop you from playing your favorite game. The main thing to remember is that your braces (and your teeth) need extra protection when you’re on the field or court.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Always wear a mouthguard. A bump or hit during a game can cause damage to both your braces and your mouth. A mouthguard acts like a cushion and keeps everything safer.

• Choose a fit that works for you. Standard orthodontic mouthguards (not the boil-and-bite ones) from a sporting goods store can do the job, but many patients prefer a custom option for comfort during long practices and games.

• Keep it consistent. A mouthguard only works if you use it every time, even for scrimmages or casual play.

With the right protection, you can stay focused on the game instead of worrying about your braces. 

Before we wrap up, let’s highlight what sets my practice apart and why so many families continue to choose Degenhardt Orthodontics.

Why Families Trust Us

Choosing the right orthodontist is all about feeling comfortable with the team that will be with you through the process. I’ve built Degenhardt Orthodontics around personalized care that focuses on results and relationships rather than a corporate feel. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Comprehensive treatment options: metal braces, ceramic braces, Spark and Invisalign clear aligners, airway treatment, growth guidance, and care for complex cases.

• A family-first approach: I live just minutes from the office, raising my kids here in metro Detroit, and I love working with families from our community.

• Experience with a personal touch: as a board-certified orthodontist, I take the time to tailor each plan, always aiming for natural, aesthetic results.

• An approachable environment: no frills, just an exceptional orthodontic experience built on trust, consistency, and friendly care.

Keeping Braces Care Simple

Caring for your braces doesn’t have to feel complicated when you have the right support behind you. At Degenhardt Orthodontics, I’m here to make sure your treatment stays smooth, your questions get answered, and your smile is always moving in the right direction. With offices in Birmingham and Milford, my team and I are ready to help you get started. Schedule your free consultation today. I can’t wait to meet you!