Fixed braces straighten your teeth over 12–18 months on average. During that time, brackets and wires make it easier for plaque and food to collect, so a good daily routine matters for the result and for healthy gums.
How to brush with fixed braces
- Brush after every meal with an orthodontic toothbrush. It has a V-shaped head that cleans around the brackets.
- Brush each tooth from above and from below the bracket, at a 45° angle, for at least two minutes.
- Use an interdental brush to clean under the wire and between the brackets.
- Once a day, use floss with a threader or a water flosser.
- A fluoride mouthwash in the evening gives extra protection against white spots on the enamel.
What to eat and what to avoid
Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. They can break a bracket or bend the wire:
- toffees, caramel and chewing gum;
- nuts, popcorn and hard sweets;
- corn on the cob, crusty bread and ice cubes.
Cut apples, carrots and other hard fruit and vegetables into small pieces, and chew with your back teeth. Limit sugary and fizzy drinks: sugar trapped around the brackets leads to cavities.
Sensitivity after adjustments is normal
For two or three days after each adjustment your teeth may feel sore. Choose soft foods like soup, pasta, yoghurt and eggs. Usual pain relief is fine if you need it.
If a bracket comes loose or the wire rubs
Cover the sharp part with orthodontic wax and call us to arrange a visit. Do not try to cut or bend the wire yourself. A loose bracket is not an emergency, but it should be fixed within a few days so treatment does not slow down.
Check-ups and professional cleaning
You will usually see us every 4–6 weeks for adjustments. We also recommend a professional cleaning every 3–6 months while you wear braces.
After braces: retention
When the braces come off, the teeth need time to settle. You will get a fixed retainer behind the front teeth, a removable one, or both. Wear them exactly as instructed. This is what keeps the result for life.
Fixed braces or aligners?
Both work well. Aligners are almost invisible and removable, while fixed braces are often better for complex cases. Read more about orthodontics at Roma Dental Clinic and ask us which option suits you.