Life
with braces

Name: Specialist Orthodontic Practice
Telephone: (01) 2855399

At SOP, we want you to be comfortable and confident all throughout your treatment with us. In order to help your treatment with braces go as smoothly as possible, here are the top tips from our team.

What to eat while wearing braces

Let’s clear the air – you can still enjoy most of your favourite foods during orthodontic treatment. Even with fixed braces, there are just a handful of things we recommend avoiding so as not to damage your appliance.

We recommend steering clear of:

Hard, chewy and sticky sweets
Popcorn
Hard fruit, veg, crusty sandwiches and pizza crusts – you can still enjoy them if you cut them into bite-size pieces first

After fitting and adjustment appointments, your teeth might be tender. During these times, you may wish to eat softer foods such as:

Scrambled eggs, omelettes
Porridge, oats, pancakes
Macaroni cheese, mashed potatoes, chicken and leek pie
Yummy stews – as long as any meat isn’t too chewy
Soft fruit, such as melons, pears, plums

How to brush your teeth with braces

It is extra important to practise proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. When you are fitted with your appliance, we’ll advise you on how best to brush and floss your teeth, but here are some of our top tips for keeping your teeth clean during treatment.

Use a soft toothbrush: Toothbrushes with soft bristles are best for cleaning around your brackets – while being gentle enough for tooth sensitivity after fitting and adjustment appointments.
Floss after brushing: Simply brushing your teeth is not enough to keep them healthy. You should floss your teeth at least once a day, and ideally after each meal. You can do this with dental floss or interdental brushes.
Use disclosing tablets: It can be difficult to brush all nooks and crannies around your brackets. Disclosing tablets are chewable tablets that stain any plaque on your teeth a different colour so you can see what areas you need to focus your brushing on.
Rinse with mouthwash: To ensure your mouth is completely clean, we recommend using a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
See your dentist for check-ups: Make sure you schedule your regular 6-monthly appointments with your family dentist all throughout your treatment with us.

Playing sports while wearing braces

You don’t need to stop playing sports while wearing braces, but you should take precautions to protect your mouth and appliance from damage. Dr Geoghegan recommends that you always wear a protective mouthguard when participating in physical sports.

At SOP, we are happy to create a custom mouthguard for you. Having Dr Geoghegan create a custom mouthguard will ensure optimal protection and a comfortable fit during physical activities.