Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Orthodontics Aftercare & Recovery

Your complete guide to caring for your braces or aligners, ensuring successful treatment and a beautiful smile.

First 24 Hours After Getting Braces/Aligners

Recommended Actions

These actions will help manage discomfort and protect your new orthodontic appliances.

  • Use orthodontic wax as needed
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief
  • Rinse with warm salt water
  • Brush teeth after every meal
  • Follow cleaning instructions

Activities to Avoid

These activities can damage your braces or aligners and slow your treatment progress.

  • Don't eat sticky or hard foods
  • Avoid biting directly with front teeth
  • Don't chew on ice or pens
  • Skip chewy and crunchy foods
  • Don't play with wires or brackets

Your Recovery Timeline

1-3
Days

Initial Adjustment

  • Initial soreness normal
  • Use orthodontic wax
  • Soft foods only
  • Take pain relief if needed
4-7
Days

Getting Comfortable

  • Discomfort decreases
  • Speech adapts
  • Eating gets easier
  • Oral hygiene routine established
2
Weeks

Fully Adjusted

  • Minimal discomfort
  • Normal diet resumes
  • Confident with cleaning
  • Regular routine established
4-6
Weeks

First Adjustment

  • Progress check
  • Adjustments made
  • Temporary soreness
  • Treatment plan review
2-3
Months

Visible Progress

  • Notice tooth movement
  • Regular adjustments
  • Treatment monitoring
  • Continued care routine

Orthodontic Diet Guide

24h

First Few Days

After getting braces or aligners, your teeth may feel sensitive. Here's what we recommend to eat or avoid.

Foods to Avoid

These foods can damage braces or cause discomfort.

  • Hard candies
  • Chewy foods
  • Corn on the cob
  • Whole apples
  • Crunchy snacks
Week
First Week

Foods to Avoid

These foods can still damage your braces.

  • Popcorn
  • Hard breads
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Sticky candies
  • Raw carrots
Long
Long-term

Still Avoid

Always avoid these foods during treatment.

  • Hard or sticky candy
  • Chewing gum
  • Ice cubes
  • Hard taco shells
  • Whole raw vegetables

Long-term Orthodontic Care

Care AspectDetailsFrequencyTools/Products
Daily Oral HygieneBrush after every meal, clean around brackets and wires, use special flossing tools, rinse with fluoride mouthwash, and for aligners - clean them morning and night.DailyOrthodontic brush, floss threaders, proxabrush, water flosser
Adjustment VisitsRegular appointments for wire changes or new aligners, progress monitoring, and treatment plan updates.Every 4-6 weeksOrthodontist visits
Appliance CareKeep rubber bands fresh, apply wax as needed, maintain aligners, wear retainers as directed, and protect braces during sports.OngoingOrthodontic wax, rubber bands, mouthguard
Emergency CareMonitor for loose brackets, poking wires, aligner damage, or unusual pain. Contact orthodontist for any concerns.As neededEmergency orthodontic kit

Recommended Orthodontic Care Products

ProductBrandsWhat it Takes Care ofDetails
Orthodontic WaxOral-B, GUMIrritation preventionProtects soft tissue from brackets and wires.
Orthodontic ToothbrushOral-B Ortho, Colgate OrthoBracket and wire cleaningSpecial V-shaped bristles for cleaning around braces.
ProxabrushGUM, TePeUnder wire cleaningSmall brush for cleaning under wires and between brackets.
Orthodontic Water FlosserWaterpik Ortho, Philips AirFlossDeep cleaningSpecial tips for cleaning around braces and aligners.
Floss ThreadersOral-B Super Floss, PlackersUnder wire flossingHelps thread floss under orthodontic wires.
Aligner Cleaning KitInvisalign, SmileDirectClubAligner maintenanceSpecial cleaners and tools for clear aligners.
Fluoride MouthwashACT Braces Care, Colgate Phos-FlurCavity preventionExtra protection for hard-to-reach areas around braces.
Emergency Care KitDenTek, GUM Ortho KitEmergency repairsTools for handling common orthodontic issues.
Orthodontic Relief WaxOral-B, DenTekComfort careExtra wax for irritation relief and protection.
Rubber BandsAmerican OrthodonticsBite correctionElastics for correcting bite alignment.
Sports MouthguardShock Doctor Braces, Under ArmourSports protectionSpecial design to fit over braces during sports.
Retainer CaseInvisalign, EssixAppliance storageSafe storage for aligners and retainers when not in use.

Common Orthodontic Treatment Questions

How long will the discomfort last? +

Initial soreness typically lasts 3-5 days after getting braces or a new aligner. Each adjustment may cause mild discomfort for 1-2 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help manage any discomfort. The soreness indicates your teeth are moving as planned.

How do I clean around my braces? +

Use an orthodontic toothbrush to brush after every meal, angling the brush to clean above and below brackets. Thread floss under wires with floss threaders or use a water flosser. Proxabrushes help clean between brackets. For aligners, clean them morning and night with appropriate cleaning solutions.

What if a bracket comes loose? +

If a bracket becomes loose, keep it in place with orthodontic wax if possible and contact your orthodontist. Don't try to fix it yourself. Save any pieces that fall off and bring them to your appointment. Continue gentle brushing and avoid foods that could cause further damage.

How often do I need adjustments? +

Most patients need adjustments every 4-6 weeks for traditional braces. For clear aligners, you'll typically change to a new set every 1-2 weeks as prescribed. Regular appointments help monitor progress and ensure your treatment stays on track.

What about sports and activities? +

You can continue playing sports but must wear a special orthodontic mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. Remove aligners for contact sports and use a regular mouthguard. For wind instruments, you may need time to adjust your playing technique with braces.

How long will treatment take? +

Treatment time varies by individual case, typically ranging from 12-24 months. Following your orthodontist's instructions, wearing rubber bands as directed, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help ensure your treatment stays on schedule.

What happens after treatment? +

After treatment, you'll need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile. Initially, you may wear them full-time, then only at night. Consistent retainer wear is crucial to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Can I whiten my teeth during treatment? +

It's best to wait until after braces are removed to whiten your teeth. For aligner patients, whitening can be done during treatment. Discuss your options with your orthodontist, as they can recommend the best timing and methods for your situation.

chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram