Cox Orthodontics is dedicated to providing you and your family with the highest quality of care in all areas, and that means in and out of the office. Interested in learning more about how to get the most out of your care? Read on to check out this fresh off the presses list of do’s and dont’s!
Do Build a Strong Daily Routine
Success with braces and Invisalign is all about consistency, meaning that your new smile comes together every day at home. A solid daily routine helps prevent delays, protects your teeth, and keeps your smile on track for the best possible results.
Do brush and floss thoroughly every day
Braces can trap food and plaque around the brackets and wires, which means brushing and flossing is more important than ever. We recommend brushing after every meal (or at least twice a day) and using tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around your brackets.
If you’re wearing aligners, brushing helps prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped under your trays. Clean teeth are healthier teeth—and they’ll make your finished smile look even better.
Do clean your aligners regularly
Clear aligners might be less visible than braces, but they still need regular care. Rinse them whenever you take them out, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush at least once a day. Avoid toothpaste or hot water, which can scratch or warp the plastic.
Dirty aligners can lead to bad breath and unwanted discoloration. Clean trays not only protect your oral health—they also keep your smile looking fresh throughout treatment.
Don’t skip your retainer time (after treatment)
Finishing treatment doesn’t mean the work is over. Your teeth can shift without consistent retainer wear, especially in the first few months after braces or aligners come off. Make wearing your retainer part of your nightly routine—it’s the easiest way to protect your results for life.
Don’t Ignore Food and Drink Rules
The right food choices make treatment smoother, safer, and a whole lot less frustrating. Whether you’re adjusting to brackets or learning how to manage aligners, knowing what to avoid can help you stay comfortable and on schedule.
Don’t chew gum or eat sticky foods with braces
Gum, caramel, taffy, and other chewy or sticky foods can get wrapped around brackets and pull wires loose. Even crunchy snacks like popcorn or nuts can break a bracket if you’re not careful.
If something does break, it often means an extra appointment—and more time in braces overall. It’s worth swapping risky treats for softer options while you’re in treatment.
Do remove aligners before eating or drinking anything but water
Aligners are not designed to handle food or hot drinks. Eating with trays in can cause cracks, warping, or discoloration—not to mention trapping food against your teeth. The rule is simple: if it’s not plain water, take the trays out first.
After meals or drinks, rinse your mouth and aligners before putting them back in. That way you keep your trays clean, clear, and working properly.
Don’t forget to rinse or brush after meals
Food left behind after eating can lead to plaque buildup, especially when aligners are snapped back into place over it. Try to brush after meals—or at the very least, rinse well with water to help flush away food particles.
It’s a small habit, but it makes a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy throughout treatment.
Do Stay Prepared on the Go
Life doesn’t pause for orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re at school, work, or on vacation, keeping a few tools handy can help you handle little issues and avoid bigger setbacks.
Do carry a travel case and hygiene kit
A compact kit with your essentials can save you from frustration. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and your aligner case or some orthodontic wax. That way you’re never stuck dealing with something uncomfortable without a way to fix it.
Having everything you need with you makes it easier to stick to your routine—even when you’re not at home.
Don’t wrap aligners in napkins (they’ll get thrown out!)
One of the most common aligner mistakes? Wrapping trays in a napkin during lunch. It might seem harmless, but it’s the easiest way to accidentally toss them in the trash.
Always use your case. It keeps your aligners clean, safe, and out of the garbage bin.
Do bring wax or extra elastics if needed
If you’re using rubber bands or experiencing a poking wire, having a little orthodontic wax or extra elastics on hand can make a huge difference. These small tools help keep things comfortable and make sure you don’t fall behind on your treatment plan.
Don’t Delay Communication With Your Orthodontist
You don’t have to wait until your next appointment to reach out. In fact, contacting Dr. Cox early can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems. Whether it’s a question, concern, or something unexpected, we’re here to help—every step of the way.
Don’t ignore discomfort or broken appliances
Soreness after adjustments is normal, but pain from a loose bracket or poking wire isn’t something you should push through. If something feels off, call us. A quick repair could save you from a longer delay in your treatment.
Even if it feels minor, it’s always worth checking. Your braces are working 24/7, so a broken part—even for a few days—can affect how your teeth move.
Do call if your aligners stop fitting properly
Clear aligners are designed to fit snugly. If a tray feels too tight, too loose, or suddenly stops fitting like usual, then be sure and give us a call. It might be a simple fix, or it might mean we need to check in on your progress in person.
Delaying care in these situations can result in a longer timeline or the need to backtrack. Early contact helps keep things smooth and on schedule.
Do ask questions—we’re here for that
Not sure how to clean your aligners? Wondering how long you should wear your rubber bands each day? That’s what we’re here for. No question is too small, and no concern is too common. We’d always rather you ask.
The more informed you are, the more confident and successful your treatment will be.
Do Keep the Big Picture in Mind
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t happen overnight—but every little choice you make helps move your smile forward. Staying consistent, being patient, and celebrating progress makes the entire process more rewarding.
Do celebrate milestones along the way
Every new aligner, every wire change, every “no cavities” report—it all adds up. Take a moment to acknowledge your progress and how far you’ve come. Whether you’re halfway through or almost finished, it’s okay to be proud.
Positive momentum helps keep you motivated, especially on days when treatment feels like a lot.
Don’t compare your smile to someone else’s
Everyone’s smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Some patients move through aligners quickly, others spend more time in braces. What matters most is that your treatment is right for you, not how it compares to someone else’s.
Trust the plan your doctor created and focus on your own progress. That’s where the results happen.
Do trust the process and stick with it
There will be days when your aligners feel tight or your braces feel sore. That’s normal. Orthodontic care is about gradual, steady change—and sticking with the plan is the best way to reach the finish line with a smile you love.
We’ll be with you the whole way. Just keep going.
Last One! Do Give Us a Call to Get Started!
Thanks for taking the time to learn a little bit more about the In’s and Out’s of orthodontic care! Want to learn more? Consultations right here at Cox Orthodontics in Franklin and Lewisburg are always free, and we’re ready and waiting to answer every question you can think of about orthodontic care, and probably quite a few that you haven’t thought of!
Give us a call or just schedule right here to get started!
