Tips for Adults With Braces

You've decided to get braces as an adult after learning that they can work wonders at any age. The key is knowing how to care for them so your smile comes out both beautiful and healthy.

Here are some tips for you — an adult with braces — straight from our expert dentist, Shant Terteryan, DDS, at Dental Blvd in Mission Hills, California.

Tip 1: Master your oral hygiene routine

You already know brushing and flossing are non-negotiable, but with braces, it’s all the more important to be thorough.

• Brush after every meal because food tends to get stuck around wires and brackets
• Use a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush; angle it to clean above, below, and around each bracket
• Floss at least once a day using floss threaders or special orthodontic floss
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to protect your enamel

Taking these extra steps keeps your smile fresh and helps prevent cavities or staining around your brackets.

Tip 2: Adjust your diet

Your diet will need a few tweaks while you’re in braces. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite foods, but you need to be mindful of the types of foods you choose. Our team recommends you:

• Avoid sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy foods that can bend wires and dislodge brackets
• Cut fruits or vegetables into smaller pieces to reduce pressure when you’re biting
• Limit sugar because braces can trap sugar, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay

By making these small diet adjustments during your orthodontic treatment, you protect your braces and keep your teeth healthier in the long run.

Tip 3: Protect your braces

Your braces can take a beating if you’re not careful, and even small accidents can deter your progress. Protecting them is just as important as cleaning them.

Dr. Terteryan encourages his patients to:

• Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or do anything that risks getting hit in the mouth
• Resist using your teeth as tools for opening packaging or tearing off tags
• Be gentle when you’re cleaning and don’t force floss or tools if you meet resistance

Following these precautions keeps your braces functioning properly so they can do their job well.

Tip 4: Stay on top of your appointments

Orthodontic treatment is a process, and staying consistent is the fastest way to get the results you want. This means being proactive with your visits to our office.

Keep these points in mind:

• Show up for your scheduled adjustments; skipping them can lengthen treatment time or lead to complications
• Let us know right away if something is loose, poking, or painful
• Learn how your braces are shifting your teeth; knowing the mechanics can keep you motivated

Getting braces as an adult is a big step, but with a little extra care and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the confident, healthy smile you’ve dreamed about. We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Contact our office today at 818-830-2828 or use our online scheduling feature to book your appointment with our team.