LightForce™ 3D braces are changing the game in orthodontics. Custom-designed and 3D-printed for your unique smile, they offer a precise and comfortable fit. But like any orthodontic treatment, the best results come from good care and healthy habits.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your LightForce braces and your smile on track throughout your treatment.
How to Brush and Floss With LightForce Braces
Brackets and wires create extra areas where plaque and food can collect, so you’ll need to take a little extra care when cleaning your teeth during treatment.
- Brush at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Take your time around each bracket, underneath the wire and along your gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily using a floss threader, orthodontic flosser or another tool recommended by our team.
- Use interdental brushes to clean around brackets and reach smaller spaces that your toothbrush may miss.
- Consider a water flosser as a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine. You can purchase one from our friendly team at reception.
Not sure whether you’re reaching all the right areas? Ask us at your next appointment. We’re always happy to show you the best way to clean around your braces.
Read our guide for more tips on maintaining your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
Eat Smart: Braces-Friendly Foods
When your braces are first fitted or adjusted, you may find softer foods more comfortable while your mouth adjusts. Once you’re comfortable eating normally again, you can enjoy a varied diet, but you’ll need to take a little extra care with foods that could damage your brackets or wires.
Avoid biting directly into very hard, sticky or chewy foods such as hard lollies, nuts, ice, caramel and chewing gum. You can still enjoy many crunchy foods by preparing them differently, such as slicing apples, grating or steaming carrots and cutting corn from the cob.
For a complete list of foods to enjoy, modify and avoid, read our guide to braces-safe foods.
What to Do if Your LightForce Braces Feel Uncomfortable
It’s common to experience some tenderness or pressure after your braces are first fitted or following certain adjustments. Your cheeks and lips may also need a little time to get used to your brackets.
A few things may help while your mouth adjusts:
- Choose softer foods if chewing feels uncomfortable.
- Use orthodontic wax over a bracket or wire that’s irritating your cheek or lip.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water if you develop a sore spot.
- Speak with your pharmacist or healthcare professional about appropriate over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, a wire is causing significant irritation or something doesn’t feel right, contact our team for advice.
Protect Your Teeth and LightForce 3D Braces During Sport
You can continue playing sport while wearing LightForce braces, but protecting your teeth and braces is particularly important if you play a contact or high-impact sport.
Wear an orthodontic-friendly mouthguard that has enough room to accommodate your brackets and ongoing tooth movement. At L&L Orthodontics, we stock NeoMorph® Mouthguards, which are designed for use during orthodontic treatment.
Read our guide to mouthguards during orthodontic treatment for more information about choosing and wearing a mouthguard with braces.
If you damage a bracket or wire while playing sport, contact our team through Dental Monitoring or give us a call so we can advise you on what to do next.
What Should You Do if a LightForce Bracket or Wire Breaks?
If you notice a loose bracket, broken wire or anything else that doesn’t look or feel right, let us know through Dental Monitoring or contact the clinic.
If a wire or bracket is irritating your cheek or lip, orthodontic wax can help cover the area temporarily while you wait for advice from our team. Avoid trying to cut, remove or repair your braces yourself.
Our team can assess the issue and let you know whether you need an appointment or whether it can wait until your next scheduled visit.
Keeping in Touch With Your Orthodontic Team
Your scheduled orthodontic appointments allow our team to monitor your tooth movement, check your braces and make any clinical adjustments needed throughout treatment.
Between appointments, you’ll also use Dental Monitoring to send regular scans from home. Our clinical team reviews these scans and can contact you if we notice something that needs attention.
Dental Monitoring is also an easy way to let us know about a loose bracket, irritating wire or other treatment concern between appointments.
Everyday Habits That Help Protect Your Braces
A few simple habits can help you avoid unnecessary damage to your LightForce braces:
- Don’t chew on pens, pencils or fingernails.
- Avoid biting directly into hard foods.
- Keep your toothbrush and interdental brushes handy when you’re away from home.
- Store orthodontic wax somewhere easy to access in case a bracket or wire causes irritation.
- Check your braces when brushing so you notice loose or damaged brackets early.
Need Help With Your LightForce Braces?
Getting used to caring for braces takes a little time, and you don’t need to figure everything out on your own. If you’re unsure how to clean around your brackets, something feels uncomfortable or you think part of your braces may be damaged, let us know.
L&L patients can contact our clinical team through Dental Monitoring or call our Melbourne CBD or Templestowe clinic for advice.
This information is general in nature. LightForce Braces care and wear instructions may vary, so always follow the advice provided by your orthodontic team.