Straight Smiles Orthodontics has been creating spectacular smiles for over 60 years—and we know that your success depends on more than just showing up for appointments. If you want the best results, you need to know how to care for your braces every single day.
Whether you’re a teen in Shelby Township, a parent helping your child in Rochester Hills, or an adult patient in Commerce Township, the time between visits is when the real work happens. Our third-generation, family-owned practice is here to give you the tools, tips, and encouragement you need to keep your smile moving in the right direction!
Why Braces Care Matters
Your braces are constantly working to move your teeth. That means they’re also vulnerable to damage, plaque buildup, and staining if you don’t treat them properly. Establishing solid daily habits will:
- Keep your treatment on schedule
- Prevent cavities, gum disease, and permanent marks
- Reduce the risk of broken brackets or wires
- Make your smile reveal day even more exciting
For Parents: Helping Your Child Care for Their Braces
Kids may need a little extra support staying on top of braces care, especially early in treatment. Here’s how you can help:
- Supervise Brushing & Flossing: Always stay nearby during brushing to make sure they’re reaching all surfaces. This is a good opportunity to brush alongside them or invite siblings to do so.
- Provide Braces-Friendly Foods: Do your best to keep hard candies, nuts, and sticky snacks out of the house. You can’t always control snacks at school, but try to remind your kids that these can cause some serious issues.
- Create a Routine: We always recommend establishing consistent times for morning and evening care to make habits stick.
- Encourage Compliance: Remind them to wear elastics or appliances as directed.
- Check for Damage: Always be on the lookout for loose brackets or bent wires between visits.
- Celebrate Milestones: Positive reinforcement keeps motivation high. You can get creative with rewards for keeping up with a routine, like little prizes or outings.
With your guidance and help from Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Thomas Rafaill, your child will develop great habits that protect their braces and their future smile.
For Teens: Braces Care Tips to Keep You On Track
To our teenage patients: Taking care of your braces may not be your favorite part of the day—but trust us, your future self will thank you. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Keep a Travel Kit: You can customize this kit to look however you want it and make it a bit of a craft project. Try to include items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a small mirror, and orthodontic wax in case of any damage.
- Snack Smart: Do your very best to opt for soft fruits, yogurt, cheese, and smoothies instead of chips or sticky sweets.
- Hydrate: Lots of water helps wash away food and bacteria. We definitely recommend carrying around a reusable water bottle with a straw so you’re never dehydrated.
- Wear Your Elastics: If we’ve given you elastics for your treatment, wear them exactly as instructed. They serve a very important purpose!
- Protect Your Mouth During Sports: Be extra diligent about wearing an orthodontic mouthguard to avoid injury during games and practices.
- Stay Consistent: Skipping care “just this once” can slow your progress. Also, spoiler alert, it’s never “just this once.”
Braces are temporary, but your smile will be forever. So give it the attention it deserves now, and you can enjoy your results for a lifetime!
Why Choose Straight Smiles Orthodontics for Your Braces Journey
If you’re looking for experience, no need to look any further! We’re Michigan’s only third-generation, family-owned practice. For more than 60 years, the Rafaill family has delivered personal, ethical, and precise orthodontic care that big-box, corporate clinics simply can’t match. You’ll see the same trusted faces at every visit, and we’ll treat you like family every step of the way.
When you choose us, you’re partnering with a team that:
- Brings decades of combined expertise to your treatment
- Uses state-of-the-art technology for comfort and precision
- Offers honest recommendations tailored to your needs
- Encourages active participation in your care to get the best results
The Bottom Line on Braces Care
If you want a healthy, beautiful smile in the shortest time possible, make daily care a priority. Brush and floss thoroughly, avoid problem foods, wear appliances as instructed, and call us if anything feels wrong.
The more you do at home, the more we can accomplish together at your appointments. At Straight Smiles Orthodontics, we’ll guide you through every stage so your smile reveal day is everything you’ve dreamed of. Come see us soon in Shelby Township, Rochester Hill, or Commerce Township!