Why Braces Care Matters
Braces work 24/7 to straighten your teeth, but if they’re not properly cared for, they can lead to plaque buildup, tooth staining, white spots, or even treatment delays. The good news? A few smart habits can make a big difference.
How to Clean Your Braces
Brush After Every Meal (Ideally)
Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. Angle your brush 45° above and below each bracket and brush gently for 2 minutes—especially around the gum line, lower incisors, and upper molars where plaque tends to accumulate.
Floss Daily (Yes, Really!)
Use orthodontic floss threaders or Platypus Flossers (available on Amazon). Clean between each tooth and around wires to prevent inflammation and decay.
Pro Tip: Add Tools to Your Toolkit
- Waterpik/water flosser – Great for flushing out food between brackets.
- Interproximal brush (“proxabrush”) – Perfect for cleaning around wires.
- Platypus Flossers – Easy threading between wires.
- Fluoride rinse – Helps strengthen enamel and prevent white spots.
- Braces Emergency Kit ($20) – Sold at-cost for travel or at-home quick fixes (poking wires, loose brackets).
Braces-Friendly Eating: What to Avoid
Your brackets are strong—but not invincible.
- Avoid: popcorn, gum, sticky or hard candies, nuts, ice, and whole hard fruits/veggies.
- Enjoy: soft fruits, pasta, smoothies, yogurt, steamed veggies, eggs, and soups.
Need help deciding? See our full Braces Food Guide — and look out for our Halloween edition with safe candy options!
Keep Up With Your Appointments
Braces need regular adjustments to stay on track. At Sims Orthodontics we:
- Monitor tooth movement
- Replace or tighten wires
- Assess hygiene and offer feedback
- Offer fun incentives—like giveaways and rewards
Call us if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes—you’ll get prompt care.
Play Sports? Protect That Smile.
Active in sports? We’ll help you find the right mouthguard (boil-and-bite or custom). We recommend Shock Doctor models, available in fun colors—perfect for braces and online ordering.
Emergency? We’re Here for You.
Every patient gets an after-hours emergency number. From poking wires to broken brackets, we’ve got you covered. And don’t forget about our at-home emergency kit!
Quick Tips from Dr. Sims
- Keep a braces kit (toothbrush, wax, floss) in your bag
- Use orthodontic wax for cheek irritation
- Drink lots of water to rinse food away
- Stick to non-sticky, non-chewy foods — “brush the teeth you want to keep!” — Dr. Sims
Local Care You Can Count On
At Sims Orthodontics, we’re proud to serve Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Crestview with a team that treats you like family. We use advanced brackets like 3M Low Profile Victory Braces, designed for comfort and easy cleaning—so you can focus on life, not your hardware.
Final Word: Braces Can Be Easy—With the Right Support
Braces do take a little extra care, but they don’t have to take over your life. With the right tools, habits, and guidance, you’ll keep your teeth healthy, your treatment on track, and your smile headed in the right direction.
Ready to Start or Need Help?
Contact Sims Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment or ask questions. We’re always here to help you smile with confidence.
