Embarking on your braces journey at Dupont Orthodontics means embracing a path to a healthier, more beautiful smile. While wearing braces or aligners might require some adjustments, our team is here to ensure your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. From dietary advice to care tips, we support you every step of the way.
Please follow this simple guidelines to keep your braces clean.
More to come.
Watch this video with instructions on how to clean your braces.
What to eat when you have braces
To protect your braces and your smile, it’s important to avoid certain foods:
Hard foods can break brackets and wires
Sticky foods can get stuck in your braces and are hard to clean
Sugary foods should be limited, as they can lead to tooth decay
Also, avoid habits like nail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, or putting foreign objects in your mouth—they can damage your braces.
Not sure if something is safe to eat? Just ask—we’re always happy to help!
We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.
Your First Few Days with Braces: Embracing Soft Foods
When you first get braces, your mouth may feel sore. If you can eat normally—great! Chewing can actually help your teeth adjust faster. If not, try soft foods that are gentle on your teeth, like:
Oatmeal – Soft, warm, and filling
Scrambled eggs – Easy to chew and full of protein
Soup – Warm and soothing (just not too hot)
Pasta – Cook it soft for easy chewing
Fish – Flaky and easy on sore teeth
Soft veggies – Steamed or boiled for a gentle bite
Mashed potatoes – Comfort food at its finest
Soft cheeses – Tasty and full of calcium
Bananas – Naturally soft and sweet
Yogurt – Smooth and easy to eat anytime
Ice cream – Cold can help relieve soreness
Stick to these until your mouth feels better—your smile will thank you!
Foods to Avoid with Braces
To keep your braces in good shape and your treatment on track, avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or tough to bite. These can break brackets, bend wires, or cause other issues.
Here’s what to skip:
Hard candy – Can break braces or damage teeth
Corn on the cob & whole apples – Biting into them can knock brackets loose
Sticky candy – Like taffy or caramel, it clings to braces
Popcorn – Kernels can get stuck or break appliances
Nuts – Too hard and risky for braces
Raw crunchy veggies/fruits – Cook them to make them softer
Pizza crust – Especially the crispy, chewy kind
Bagels & hard rolls – Tough to bite and chew
Ice – Never chew it—it can damage your braces
Chips & pretzels – Crunchy snacks can break brackets or wires
Stick to softer foods and ask us if you’re unsure about anything—we’re happy to help!
10 Essential Tips for Eating with Braces
Start Small
Cut food into small pieces to avoid biting with your front teeth.Choose Soft Foods
After adjustments, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.Avoid Very Hot or Cold Foods
Extreme temperatures can increase tooth sensitivity.Skip Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are hard to clean off braces. If you chew gum, choose sugar-free.Chew Gently
Eat slowly and carefully to avoid damaging brackets or wires.Watch Out for Hard Foods
Raw veggies, hard bread, or apples can break braces—cook them or cut them into small bites.Rinse After Eating
Swish water around your mouth to help remove food stuck in your braces.Keep Tools Handy
Carry a travel toothbrush or use a water flosser to clean your braces on the go.Drink Plenty of Water
It helps rinse away food and acids and keeps your mouth clean.Follow Your Orthodontist’s Advice
Their guidance is based on experience—stick to their recommendations for best results.
True emergencies with braces are rare, but if something does happen, please contact our office right away. Letting us know as soon as possible helps us schedule time to complete any necessary repairs and keep your treatment on track.
Even if you already have an upcoming appointment, please call us right away if something is broken or needs fixing—we may need to change your scheduled visit.
If you need help describing an issue, please use the diagrams below to identify the parts of your braces.
General Soreness and Irritation
It’s normal to feel some soreness in your mouth and teeth for the first 3 to 5 days after getting braces. This tenderness is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief—such as what you’d take for a headache.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel irritated during the first week or two as they adjust to the new braces. To help with this, you can apply orthodontic wax to the brackets to reduce rubbing and discomfort.
You may also notice small sores in your mouth as it adjusts. This is common and can be soothed by rinsing with a warm saltwater solution (mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse thoroughly).
If your jaw feels sore, a warm compress or heating pad can help relax the muscles and ease the discomfort.
Pokey Wire
Sometimes, a wire from your braces may cause irritation. Here’s what you can do at home to feel more comfortable:
Gently move the wire away from the sore area using a cotton swab or pencil eraser.
If that doesn’t work, cover the wire with a small piece of orthodontic wax to prevent rubbing.
If the wire is sharp or painful, you can carefully trim it using clean nail clippers or scissors that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
For a step-by-step demo, the video on how to safely clip a wire at home.
Loose Brackets or Bands
If a bracket or wire becomes loose, please contact our office right away so we can schedule a repair and keep your treatment on track.
In some cases—especially after hours or over a weekend—you may need to take temporary steps at home:
If a wire is causing discomfort, you can trim it with clean fingernail clippers that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
If a bracket comes off, you may need to slide it off the wire or leave it in place until we can see you.
For guidance, please watch our video on how to safely handle a loose bracket or wire at home.
Difficulty Turning Expander
Having trouble turning your expander? Don’t worry—it happens from time to time.
Be sure to:
Insert the expander key all the way into the hole.
Always turn the key toward the throat.
If you’re unsure or something doesn’t feel right, check out the video for helpful tips and a demo of how to do a proper turn.
And as always, feel free to contact us if you need extra help!
Forsus Springs or Herbst Arms
If a spring on your Forsus appliance or Herbst arms comes loose, don’t worry—this can sometimes be fixed at home.
Watch the video tutorial for a step-by-step demo on how to reattach the spring.
Lost Separators
It’s common for a separator to fall out during treatment, so there’s no need to worry!
Just contact our office to see if it needs to be replaced. We’ll let you know the next steps and help ensure everything stays on track.
You can also watch this instructional video to learn how to replace it at home if needed.