Braces might be doing the heavy lifting, but your daily habits are what keep everything on track. That’s why families from Sanford to Bear Creek trust Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn at Smith & Smith Orthodontics to keep braces care simple and stress-free. With a few small changes, your snacks, routines, and smile can all stay on the same page. Next, let’s take a closer look at what really happens between appointments, and how to make each day count.
Why the Real Work Happens Between Visits
Your braces are always clocked in (even when you’re not in the chair). That means your daily routine plays a big role in how smoothly things move along. From morning rushes to evening snacks, those small choices can keep your brackets working as they should and help avoid extra visits to fix avoidable mishaps.
Think of yourself as the co-pilot: while Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn handle the mechanics at Smith & Smith Orthodontics, you’re the one keeping things steady between check-ins.
Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
- Brush after meals and before bed (even if it’s just a snack)
- Carry flossers or interdental brushes to sneak in midday cleanup
- Watch for anything that feels pokey or loose and call if needed
- Stick to braces-friendly foods that won’t pop brackets off
Next, let’s talk about what’s really going on when you brush with braces and how to do it without missing a spot.
Brushing With Braces? Here’s the Trick
Braces give your toothbrush a whole lot more to explore. Wires, brackets, and bands love to trap the leftovers from lunch at Brick City Grill or a quick snack from Valenti’s. That’s where your brushing technique makes all the difference.
Dr. Brian, a board-certified orthodontist, knows that keeping braces clean isn’t about scrubbing harder; it’s about brushing smarter. And it starts with having the right tools:
- Use a soft-bristle brush or an electric toothbrush
- Angle your brush around the brackets and gumline
- Don’t rush—spend at least 2 minutes brushing
- Rinse and repeat after every meal when possible
Still seeing stubborn bits? That’s where an interdental brush or water flosser can help. Dr. Lynn and Dr. Brian often recommend these to make cleanup quicker without missing a thing.
Next, let’s talk about flossing, because while it takes a little extra effort with braces, it’s definitely worth it.
Flossing With Braces Made Easy
Flossing around braces can feel a bit like threading a needle during a moving car ride, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be frustrating. Dr. Lynn and Dr. Brian recommend sticking to a daily routine, especially for families juggling sports, homework, and dinner at Fairview Dairy Bar. Here’s what works best:
Floss threaders
These help get the floss underneath the wire so you can clean between teeth
Orthodontic floss
Pre-cut and stiff-tipped for easier maneuvering
Water flossers
A gentle, pressurized stream that blasts away buildup (perfect for visual learners)
Take a few minutes each evening to floss while watching a show or listening to music, and it quickly becomes second nature.
Next, let’s move from brushing and flossing to what’s on your plate, because food plays a big part in how smoothly your treatment goes.
What’s on the Menu Matters
Braces don’t mean your favorite foods are off-limits, but they do call for some smart swaps. Dr. Lynn and Dr. Brian have seen plenty of broken brackets at birthday parties and bent wires after hard pretzels at the ballpark. A little planning goes a long way.
Steer clear of:
- Hard snacks like popcorn, nuts, and chips
- Sticky treats like caramels, taffy, or chewy granola bars
- Crunchy produce like whole apples and raw carrots (try cutting them into thin slices instead)
Opt for braces-friendly bites:
- Soft fruits like bananas or melon
- Cooked veggies, mashed potatoes, and rice
- Smoothies, yogurts, and scrambled eggs
Eating with braces doesn’t mean skipping flavor, it just means thinking ahead!
Let’s keep things going with a few smart tips for staying prepared when you’re not at home.
Braces On the Go
When you’re juggling school, sports, and everything in between, a little prep can save you from a lot of frustration. Dr. Brian, Dr. Lynn, and the team at Smith & Smith Orthodontics recommend putting together a mini care kit so you’re never caught off guard.
Your braces-ready bag could include:
- Orthodontic wax (for poking wires or rough spots)
- A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss threaders or pre-threaded flossers
- A small mirror
- Lip balm (brackets can dry out lips on windy days)
- A small water bottle for rinsing after snacks
Whether you’re heading to Grace Christian School, Central Carolina Community College, or the Sanford Area Soccer League fields, a small stash now saves stress later.
Next, let’s look at how Smith & Smith Orthodontics makes caring for your braces feel a whole lot easier with treatments, tech, and team perks built to keep things running smoothly.
Hassle-Free Braces Support
Patients from Sanford, Bayboro, and beyond find not only expert orthodontic care at Smith & Smith Orthodontics, but they also find a team that understands this community’s pace of life. For over 50 years, Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn have made treatment that fits sports schedules, school commitments, and even family life events like Temple Theatre performances feel manageable and down-to-earth.
Here’s what makes their practice stand out:
- Friendly care that treats you like family, generation after generation
- Options that work for everyone, from traditional metal & clear braces to custom-fit clear aligners like 3M Clarity and in-house Smith and Smith aligners
- Digital scanning makes record-keeping smooth and mess-free
- Two offices (Sanford & Bayboro) mean great care is just minutes away
Come see how caring orthodontic visits can be with a trusted local team that’s come to feel like family!
The Braces Life, Made Simple
Braces come with rules, but they don’t have to run the show. With Dr. Brian and Dr. Lynn leading the way, Smith & Smith Orthodontics helps families in Sanford and Bayboro keep things easy, breezy, and fun the whole way. From flexible scheduling to clear tips that actually work, they’re all about making your care fit your lifestyle. Book your free consultation today, and let’s make braces care feel effortless from day one!