Request Request an Appointment Call Call Us Map View Map Pay Pay Online

At-Home Care for Orthodontics – Denison, IA

What You Should Know for Healthier, More Beautiful Smile

A teenage boy with braces sitting outside at a bench with his parents and smiling after seeing an orthodontist in Denison

At 32 & U, Dr. Bygness believes in providing patients with all the necessary information to ensure successful treatment. This includes knowing what to do when soreness develops, how to properly eat while wearing braces, which foods to eat and which ones to avoid, and how to clean them effectively by brushing and flossing. As a trusted orthodontist in Denison, he and his team will help you along the way, making sure you follow the right steps to achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. To get started, contact our office today!

Ways to Ease Soreness

A young female wearing glasses and braces smiling while seated inside

It should come as no surprise that wearing braces can cause some discomfort and soreness. If you or your child are experiencing this uncomfortable feeling, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as well as rinsing with warm salt water. These tactics make it possible for the soreness to go away after a few days and get you back to enjoying your daily life.

How to Eat with Braces

A young girl wearing a striped shirt and smiling with braces preparing to eat a slice of watermelon

Braces can often present more of a challenge when it comes to eating certain foods. Knowing how to do it well and which ones to choose will make the post-meal cleaning tasks more manageable. The one important aspect to remember is that it is best if foods are cut into smaller bites, as this will help prevent unnecessary pressure from being placed onto brackets and wires. Also, make sure you do not consume too much sugar, as this is important to prevent tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease while being treated with braces.

Foods You Can Eat

A young girl with purple glasses holding a bowl full of strawberries and smiling while outdoors

So, what can you eat while wearing braces? The best ones to choose from are those that are soft and malleable. This means you will want to eat those items that you can easily chew and will not cause additional discomfort within your mouth. These include:

  • Yogurt (just be sure to avoid sugary flavors)
  • Soft cheeses
  • Soup
  • Cooked potatoes
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Cooked fruits and vegetables

Foods You Should Avoid

A young woman with braces holding a full apple in her hand

Unfortunately, there are certain foods you will want to avoid, as they can either put too much pressure onto your brackets and cause them to pop off or break. Damaging your braces in any way can delay your treatment, so it’s important to follow Dr. Bygness’s instructions regarding which foods to stay away from. These can include:

  • Hard candies or ice
  • Popcorn or sunflower seeds
  • Sticky foods like caramel or gum
  • Whole food items (i.e. apples, corn cobs, carrots)
  • Tough meats

Ways to Brush and Floss

An older male teenager with braces on his top row of teeth attempting to floss

One of the most important aspects of any successful orthodontic treatment is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing regularly. But how can you do it while maneuvering around metal brackets and wires? We will recommend various products that can help make the process much easier, such as an interdental brush or Waterpik.

When it comes to brushing, you’ll need to make sure you are cleaning all surfaces of your teeth including the area around the brackets. You’ll also want to use orthodontic products (i.e. interdental brush, Waterpik) to floss between teeth and remove harmful particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay or gum disease.