Welcome back to your go-to spot for real talk on all things orthodontics. No fluff, just the facts.  Today, we’re diving into the essential tips you’ll want to nail before your Lightforce braces come off. Because on reveal day we’re going for sparkle, shine, and that WOW moment.

1. Brush One Tooth at a Time

Brushing with braces isn’t about speed, it’s about precision. Every bracket, every wire, and every tooth deserves attention. Angle your toothbrush above and below each bracket, and take your time. This helps prevent plaque buildup and keeps your smile on track.

Pro tip: A soft-bristled or electric toothbrush with a small head can make it easier to get into those hard-to-reach spots around your brackets.

 

2. Clean Up After You Eat

Food loves to hide in braces, especially after meals. After eating, do a quick check in the mirror and use an interdental brush or floss to catch any leftovers. Whether you’re at school, work, or out with friends, a little cleanup goes a long way in avoiding unwanted surprises (and awkward food-in-braces moments).

 

3. Keep a Braces Care Kit on Hand

Be ready for anything with a small on-the-go kit. Whether it’s for your kid at school or yourself before a big meeting, stash the essentials:

• Compact mirror (or you can use your phone camera, you tech-savvy person, you) 
• Travel toothbrush+mini toothpaste
• Floss
• Interdental brushes 
• Mini mouthwash
• Wax
• Waterbottle 

 

4. Skip Hard, Sticky, and Chewy Foods

Trust us, we get it! Chewy candy and crunchy chips are so tempting! But when it comes to braces care, avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods is non-negotiable. Those troublemakers can bend wires, break brackets, and delay your treatment.

If you’re still craving those crunchy foods like apples or carrots, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces. And at your next summer barbecue, you don’t have to miss out on corn on the cob. Just cut the corn off the cob first. It’s a small tradeoff for a faster, smoother path to the finish line.

 

5. Visit Your Dentist

Yes, we’re saying it loud and clear: don’t skip your general dentist visits while you’re in braces!  We straighten your teeth, and your dentist keeps them clean and cavity-free. Think of it as a tag-team approach so your teeth are as healthy as possible when the braces come off. 

 

6. Wear a Mouth Guard During Sports 

Whether you’re playing hockey, basketball, football, or any other activity where objects (or people) might connect with your face, a mouth guard is a must. One unpredictable hit to the mouth without a guard could mean broken brackets, cut lips, or a longer treatment timeline.

Skip the boil-and-bite guards from the sporting goods aisle. They don’t offer the same amount of protection you need. Talk to our team about custom, orthodontic-safe mouth guard options that keep your smile intact.

 

7. Try a Water Flosser

Traditional flossing with braces is a workout in itself. If you’re tired of the thread-the-needle method, switch to a water flosser. It uses a pressurized stream of water to remove food and bacteria in places your toothbrush can’t reach, especially around wires and brackets. It’s fast, effective, and honestly, kind of addictive. (You’ll see.)

 

8. Manage Discomfort

Some pressure and soreness are totally normal, your teeth are moving after all! You might feel tender after your braces go on or after adjustments. For any bracket rubbing or irritation, reach for orthodontic wax to cushion the occasional rough spot. Need pain relief? Tylenol (acetaminophen) works best (avoid Advil or Aleve, which can actually slow down the movement of your teeth. Crazy, right?)

 

9. Say No to Whitening (For Now)

While you might be tempted to whiten what’s visible, trust us, now’s not the best time.  Whitening while your brackets are still on can lead to uneven results, with little “shadow squares” where your brackets once lived. Instead, wait until your braces are off and we will hook you up with our Mint Ortho whitening kit. 

 

10. Track Your Progress

Yes, our team will be tracking your progress, but don’t miss the fun of watching your own transformation! Snap a selfie once a month and document your smile’s journey. It’s hard to notice change day to day, but side-by-side progress photos? Instant motivation. You’ll be amazed by how far you’ve come. 

 

Still Have Questions?

We’re here for them, all of them. Whether you’re curious about care tips, tools, or just want peace of mind, bring your questions to your next appointment, send us a text, or swing by our office anytime. No judgement, no silly questions,  we have heard it all and are happy to answer anything on your mind.