Resources

Orthodontics

Explore our resources to gain a comprehensive overview of dental procedures you received and their benefits for a stress-free dental experience.

Let's talk about your smile.

    Home / Resources / Orthodontics / Taking Care of your Braces

    Taking Care of your Braces

    div-feather
    icon-lds-types-of-braces
    Types of Braces
    icon-lds-taking-care-of-your-bra
    Taking Care of your Braces

    Taking care of your braces is crucial to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment and achieve the desired results.

    At Light Dental Studios, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to maintain your braces effectively. Here's a detailed overview of how to care for your braces:

    Oral Hygiene

    Proper oral hygiene is paramount when you have braces. Brushing and flossing after every meal and snack is essential to remove food particles that can get trapped in the braces and between teeth.

    Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth gently. Angle the brush to reach both the braces and your gumline.

    Flossing with orthodontic floss threaders or a water flosser can help clean between brackets and wires. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to monitor your oral health.

    Diet and Food Restrictions

    While wearing braces, it's crucial to be mindful of your diet to avoid damaging your orthodontic appliances. Steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break brackets and wires.

    Opt for softer foods like pasta, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. Cut fruits and vegetables into smaller, bite-sized pieces to minimize the risk of damaging your braces.

    Avoid habits like nail-biting, chewing on pencils, or opening packages with your teeth to prevent unnecessary pressure on your braces.

    Orthodontic Wax

    Orthodontic wax is a helpful tool provided by Light Dental Studios.

    It can be placed over any sharp or irritating edges of your braces to prevent discomfort or sore spots in your mouth.

    orthodontic-wax

    Mouthguards

    If you play contact sports or engage in activities where there's a risk of facial injury, wearing a mouthguard is crucial.

    A custom-made orthodontic mouthguard can protect both your braces and your mouth from injury.

    Follow Orthodontic Instructions

    Listen to and follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist at Light Dental Studios. This includes adhering to your appointment schedule for adjustments and check-ups.

    If you're given rubber bands or other orthodontic appliances, use them as directed to achieve the desired tooth movement.

    Emergencies and Repairs

    In the event of a loose bracket or wire, contact Light Dental Studios immediately for guidance. Do not attempt to fix or adjust the braces on your own, as this can lead to complications.

    By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can ensure the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment while minimizing any discomfort or inconvenience associated with braces. At Light Dental Studios, our team is dedicated to providing you with the support and information you need to care for your braces and achieve a beautifully aligned smile.

    open-saturdays-evenings

    Your life is always busy and you can't make time for your dental visit. Light Dental Studios now offers same day, Saturday, and evening appointments.

    Be in the know

    Frequently Asked Questions

    div-feather

    General Information

    No, you do not typically need a referral. You can directly schedule an appointment with our in-house specialists for consultations and treatments.

    Our in-house specialties offer convenience, coordinated care, and a familiar, comfortable environment. You can receive comprehensive dental services from a trusted team under one roof.

    Our 30 locations are spread across the Puget Sound area including AuburnBellevueBonney LakeBurienCovingtonFircrestKentLaceyLakewoodLynnwoodMaple ValleyLilly Road in OlympiaOlympiaPacific Avenue in ParklandPuyallupOrthodontics in PuyallupRentonRuddell Road in Lacey6th Avenue in TacomaTacoma Mall Boulevard in Tacoma, and University Place to provide easy access to quality dental care.

    Light Dental Studios offers a range of services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, in-house denture lab, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.

    Yes, you can easily request a consultation or find more information about our in-house specialties on our website or by contacting our office.

    In-House Specialties

    Dental Sleep Medicine specializes in treating sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea. It offers solutions to help you achieve better sleep, improved health, and increased quality of life.
    Our in-house denture lab ensures faster turnaround times for fittings, adjustments, and repairs, providing you with well-fitting, comfortable dentures without lengthy wait times.
    We offer a range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, to address alignment issues and create a straight, healthy smile.

    Our periodontists offer dental implant procedures to address tooth loss and provide periodontal treatments to manage gum disease, ensuring optimal oral health.

    Our oral surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgeries, and more, to address dental and facial concerns.

    Coverage varies by insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage for each specialty.

    Common symptoms include loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. A sleep study or consultation with our Dental Sleep Medicine specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis.

    Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with our doctors for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions. For any questions or concerns, please call our office.

    TESTIMONIALS

    Every Smile Has A
    Different Story.

    5 Star
    OtakuRoOtakuRo
    22:42 17 Oct 24
    Great service, great providers and staff.
    Jin XuJin Xu
    03:14 13 Oct 24
    My wife cracked her tooth and got a crown from Dr. Udod and Hailey. We were beyond happy with the care we received here. Hailey went out of her way to make my wife felt comfortable and at ease. Dr. Udod was quick, gentle, and meticulous with his work. Both of them were friendly and professional. It was a great experience for us!
    Joanna FeltJoanna Felt
    00:14 12 Oct 24
    Came in for chipped teeth from fall. Harleen was so kind and made every effort to make me comfortable. Dr Lee explained what the process was and what could happen down the road with the tooth. From beginning to end it was 45 minutes and I was back to work. I was so happy made appointment for teeth cleaning in 2 weeks. Great experience for someone who is not big fan of going to dentist 😊😊
    Ellie BatesEllie Bates
    19:05 04 Oct 24
    Dr. Benoit and Allie were so kind and patient. Super quick appointment with a comfort focus.
    Jennifer CopeJennifer Cope
    00:35 04 Oct 24
    What a wonderful experience we have had. Our experience was the best !
    David CapraraDavid Caprara
    17:28 19 Sep 24
    I have been going here for 10 years. Why? Because of their excellent customer service and phenomenal technical expertise. Starting with the front office. They hire people like Shailee, who takes the time to answer my questions with a smile. You can tell they hire people who like working here and that is seen with the excellent customer service. Shailee took the time to explain a refund I was getting and she didn't act like it was a bother. My dentist, Dr. Benoit and Hailey, her dental assistant, provided exceptionally great service explaining every step in the process of taking care of my cavity. Hailey was a great help with the doctor by being ahead of every next step and working well with the doctor. Dr. Benoit seemed like she was a perfectionist and very detailed in her work. Yet she was very pleasant to talk with even taking time to explain what she was doing. It is like that every time I come in for a visit. The people may change but you get the same excellent service each time you go in there. Great organization 👏 👍 👌 🙌 ❤️
    Bruce McDowellBruce McDowell
    16:13 12 Sep 24
    I have found my experiences with Light Dental to be very positive. Dr. Yin, who is giving me a tooth implant, and her assistant Jan have been great. They clearly explain everything that will be happening. The procedure itself thus far (implant base is in) has been painless. They are also good humored and nice to be around. Dr. Yin’s CV is amazing.
    tylor dyertylor dyer
    22:11 16 Aug 24
    The dentists are good at their jobs, but the real shining stars are their support staff. I have severe dental anxiety and have never gotten through dentist appointments without crying, often hysterically. Both Ashley's (hygienist and assistant) are so warm, friendly, supportive, and accommodating. Kate at the front desk is validating, advocates for patients, and makes me feel so heard and cared about! All three of them have gone above and beyond with me to make me feel safe, comfortable, and important. Often times I feel like a set of teeth at the dentist, but they make me feel like a whole human. They remember me when I walk through the doors or call. Going to the dentist is still an ordeal for me, but I am so grateful for them. I live in Olympia knowing full well Light Dental Studios has a (probably just as great) location so much closer to me, but they don't have the Ashley's or Kate!
    js_loader

    OUR TEAM OF DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

    Awards & Affiliations

    div-feather