Patient Life
Life with braces.
Braces don't have to slow you down. Here's the short guide to eating, cleaning, and staying comfortable while your smile takes shape.
Foods to Enjoy
Most of your favorites are still on the menu — just a little softer.
- Soft breads, pasta, rice
- Yogurt, cheese, smoothies
- Cooked or steamed vegetables
- Tender meats and seafood
- Ice cream and puddings
Foods to Avoid
A few things can break brackets or bend wires. Skip them for the length of treatment.
- Sticky candy (caramels, taffy, gum)
- Hard candy, nuts, ice
- Popcorn (kernels are the enemy)
- Corn on the cob — cut it off first
- Chewing on pens, nails, or fingernails
Cleaning Your Braces
Brush after every meal — or as close as you can manage. Use a soft-bristle brush and angle it into the brackets. Floss daily with a threader or a water flosser to reach between teeth.
A fluoride mouth rinse before bed adds an extra layer of protection against decay.
Soreness Is Normal
Expect mild tenderness for 3–5 days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. A soft-food diet, warm salt-water rinses, and over-the-counter pain reliever go a long way. Orthodontic wax handles any bracket rubbing.
Playing Sports & Instruments
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports — we'll help you pick one that fits over your braces. Wind and brass instruments take a few days of adjustment; most patients are back to playing normally within a week.
Ready to get started?
Book your free consultation at any of our four Kansas offices.
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