Expert Orthodontic Tips

Professional advice and insider tips to maximize your treatment success

Your Guide to Orthodontic Excellence

Getting great results with braces isn’t just about following basic instructions; it’s about knowing the little things that really make a difference. We’ve put together the best advice and techniques our team has learned over the years to help you get that perfect smile faster.

Essential Tips by Category

Here are the important things you’ll want to focus on to make sure your orthodontic journey stays on track and goes as smoothly as possible.

Daily Care

Essential daily habits for optimal orthodontic health

Clean your teeth after eating anything

Pick a toothpaste with fluoride to keep cavities away

Get between your teeth every day using a floss threader or water pick

Use an antibacterial mouth rinse

Take a quick look at your braces in the mirror each day

Diet & Nutrition

Smart eating choices for successful treatment

Cut food into smaller, manageable pieces
Choose soft foods when experiencing soreness
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Limit sugary and acidic beverages
Pack braces-friendly snacks for on-the-go

Protection & Safety

Keep your braces and teeth safe during activities

Always wear a mouthguard during sports

Use orthodontic wax for bracket irritation

Avoid chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails

Don’t use teeth as tools to open packages

Keep emergency orthodontic kit handy

Treatment Optimization

Maximize your results and minimize treatment time

Attend all scheduled appointments on time
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions exactly
Wear elastics as prescribed without skipping
Report any issues or concerns immediately
Maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout

emergency quick reference

Know what to do when unexpected issues arise during your treatment.

Loose Bracket

Immediate action: leave it alone and call our office
Prevention: avoid hard and sticky foods that can loosen brackets

Poking Wire

Immediate action: use orthodontic wax to cover the area
Prevention: handle your braces gently during cleaning

Lost Elastic

Immediate action: replace with a new one if you have extras
Prevention: keep spare elastics with you at all times

Severe Pain

Immediate action: take over-the-counter pain relief and call us
Prevention: use soft diet during adjustment periods

Orthodontic Life Hacks

Creative solutions and clever tricks to make your orthodontic journey easier and more enjoyable.

Take selfies to check if you’ve cleaned all areas thoroughly
Use an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning
Set daily reminders on your phone for elastic changes
Invest in a water flosser for easier interdental cleaning

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

KC

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B