After Braces Are Placed

What to expect

Teeth commonly feel tender when orthodontic forces are first applied — usually for a few days. The cheeks and lips also need time to toughen up against the new brackets and wires; small tender spots inside the cheeks are normal at first.

Eating

While things are tender, pick foods that need less chewing: pasta, eggs, yogurt, smoothies, soft-cooked vegetables. Longer term, follow the dietary list from your orthodontic team — hard, sticky, and crunchy foods are what break brackets and bend wires.

Wax is your friend

Orthodontic wax pressed over a bracket or wire that is rubbing gives the cheek a smooth surface while it adjusts. Dry the spot with a tissue first so the wax sticks. It is safe if a bit gets swallowed, and you can reapply as often as needed.

Cleaning

Braces create extra places for plaque to collect. Brush carefully above, below, and directly over every bracket, plus along the gumline, and clean between the teeth daily — floss with a threader, an interdental brush, or a water flosser as an add-on, whichever your child will actually use. Plaque left around brackets leads to swollen gums and permanent white marks on the enamel; our braces hygiene handout covers the full routine.