How to take care of braces: What to do and What to Avoid

Braces are orthodontic appliances used to gradually move teeth into better alignment over time. Traditional braces consist of small metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a wire that's periodically tightened to apply controlled pressure. That sustained, gentle pressure shifts the teeth and the bone around them into the desired position.

Most people associate braces with teenagers, but orthodontic treatment is increasingly common in adults too and it works at any age.

At Aminya St dental we work closely with a trusted network of specialist orthodontists in Brisbane to coordinate braces treatment for our patients. We monitor your dental development, help you understand your options, and manage the general dental side of your care throughout the process including check-ups, cleans, and any restorative work needed before or during orthodontic treatment. 

You might be recommended braces if you have:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth where there isn't enough space in the jaw for teeth to sit properly

• Gaps between teeth spaces that affect appearance or trap food

• Overbite or underbite where the upper and lower teeth don't meet correctly when you close your mouth

• Crossbite where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside

• Protruding front teeth which can also carry a higher risk of injury

Beyond aesthetics, misaligned teeth can be genuinely harder to clean, which increases the long-term risk of decay and gum disease. A well-aligned bite also reduces uneven wear on teeth and can relieve jaw tension in some cases. So while many people pursue braces for cosmetic reasons, there are often real functional benefits too.

What to Eat With Braces

The general rule is simple: soft, easy-to-chew foods are your friends. In the first few days after getting braces (or after an adjustment appointment), your teeth will feel tender and pressure-sensitive. Sticking to soft options during this time makes the whole process much more comfortable.

Good choices at any stage of treatment:

• Soft cooked pasta, rice, and noodles

• Yoghurt, soft cheese, and scrambled eggs

• Mashed potato, steamed vegetables, and soups

• Soft bread (without hard crusts)

• Bananas, berries, and other soft fruits

• Fish and other tender proteins

• Smoothies and protein shakes

The key with harder foods like apples or carrots isn't necessarily to avoid them entirely, but to prepare them differently. Cutting them into small pieces rather than biting directly into them means you can still eat a wide variety of nutritious foods without putting stress on your brackets and wires.

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Some foods genuinely need to come off the menu for the duration of treatment. They either damage the hardware directly, or they get stuck in ways that dramatically increase your cavity and gum disease risk.

Avoid these throughout treatment:

• Hard and crunchy foods : nuts, hard lollies, popcorn, corn chips, raw carrots bitten whole, hard bread crusts. These can snap wires or dislodge brackets.

• Sticky and chewy foods : toffee, caramel, chewing gum, muesli bars, and gummy lollies. These pull at brackets and are nearly impossible to clean out of braces properly.

• Sugary drinks : soft drink, energy drinks, and cordial bathe your teeth and brackets in acid and sugar constantly. This is one of the most common causes of white spot lesions (early decay) that appear when braces come off.

• Biting into things directly : even foods that seem soft, like a bread roll with a hard base or a whole apple, can exert enough force to pop a bracket if you're not careful.

  
  

How to Clean Your Teeth With Braces

Brushing and flossing with braces takes more time and effort than without them, but it's absolutely non-negotiable. Brackets and wires create dozens of new surfaces where plaque can accumulate, and poor hygiene during treatment is one of the most preventable causes of long-term dental problems.

Brushing

Brush after every meal, not just morning and night. Food trapped around brackets begins causing damage quickly, especially in the warm, moist environment of the mouth.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees to the gumline. Clean above and below the wire, and along each bracket individually. An electric toothbrush can be very effective, but a regular manual brush used carefully works just as well. Plan for at least two to three minutes per session.

An interdental brush (sometimes called a proxabrush) is  a small, cone-shaped brush designed to fit between brackets; it is invaluable for dislodging food and plaque that a regular brush can't reach.

Flossing

Flossing with braces is more involved because the wire prevents you from threading floss in the normal way. The two most practical options are:

• Floss threaders : a small plastic loop that lets you pass floss behind the wire to clean between teeth as normal

• Orthodontic floss picks : pre-threaded options that make the process faster

Water flossers (such as a Waterpik) are another popular option and many orthodontic patients find them easier to use consistently. They don't fully replace string floss but are significantly better than not flossing at all.

Fluoride and Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash used at night (after brushing, not before) adds an extra layer of protection against the demineralisation that can occur around brackets. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend a specific product if you're at higher risk.

Orthodontic Wax

Orthodontic wax is one of the most underrated tools in a brace-wearer's kit. When a wire end pokes out or a bracket feels rough against your cheek or lip, a small piece of wax pressed over the offending area creates a smooth barrier and relieves irritation almost instantly.

It's available at most pharmacies in Australia and is safe to use as often as needed. If a wire is persistently poking or causing pain, contact your orthodontist as the wax is only a short-term fix.

Managing Soreness After Adjustments

Some soreness in the first 24–72 hours after getting braces fitted or after an adjustment appointment is completely normal. The teeth are responding to new pressure, and it takes a few days to settle.

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (taken as directed) is usually sufficient. Sticking to softer foods during this period and rinsing with warm salty water can also help with any gum tenderness.

If the pain is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by swelling, call your dental practice.

What to Do If Something Breaks

Brackets can come loose and wires can snap. It happens, usually after eating something hard or crunchy. If it does:

• Don't panic. A broken bracket rarely requires emergency treatment, but it should be fixed promptly as it affects how the teeth are moving.

• If a wire is poking and causing pain, use orthodontic wax to cover it temporarily. 

• Call your dental practice or orthodontist to organise a repair appointment as soon as possible.

• Avoid trying to cut or remove a wire yourself

Does Medicare Cover Dental Braces?

Standard Medicare does not cover braces or orthodontic treatment for adults. For children, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers basic dental services but orthodontic treatment, including braces, is not included under the scheme.

Private Health Insurance

Orthodontic treatment is covered under extras cover specifically under the orthodontics category, which is separate from general dental and major dental. Key things to know:

• Most health funds apply a 12-month waiting period before orthodontic benefits can be claimed

• There is typically a lifetime orthodontic limit per person (commonly $1,500-$3,000 depending on your fund and level of cover), not an annual one meaning once the limit is used, it doesn't reset each year

• Rebates are paid progressively as treatment milestones are reached, not as a lump sum

Aminya St Dental offers HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, which means you can check your rebate entitlement immediately at the time of your appointment. If you want to know before you come in, call your health fund directly and ask about coverage of wisdom tooth removal as policies vary considerably between providers.

As a family dentist Aminya St dental has been helping patients across Mansfield, Brisbane for over 40 years. We prioritise our patients first and give you the information you need to make an informed decision. If you are exploring options it is worth having a conversation with our experienced team.

Book your appointment today online or call us at (07) 3349 7749