Life with BRAVA®
BRAVA needs your care and cooperation to deliver the best results. Please be sure to follow the guidelines we provide, so your BRAVA treatment can be as effective and efficient as possible!
Home Hygiene
Brushing and Flossing with BRAVA
BRAVA is positioned behind the teeth and away from tooth contact points. This means you can brush and floss normally with BRAVA. We recommend brushing three times a day for two minutes each, with an electric toothbrush.
Please make sure to use a soft toothbrush and always brush gently along your gum line. Brush each tooth separately for three to four seconds on each surface. Angle the brush upward for upper teeth and downward for the lower teeth.
Rinse vigorously with water and check your work in the mirror: look for any remaining food, plaque, or debris.
In contrast to conventional braces, BRAVA allows you to floss normally, since there are no wires to block the gaps in your teeth. We recommend using fluoridated floss. You should floss first thing in the morning and at least twice during the day — usually after meals.
We also recommend using an electric toothbrush and a water flosser (such as Waterpik® or Philips®) to complement your regular brushing and flossing routine.
Mouthwash with BRAVA
Use over-the-counter fluoride rinses before going to bed and when you wake up each day to keep the bacteria load in your mouth under control and help strengthen your tooth surfaces.
Eating with BRAVA
After you get Brava installed, please avoid foods that are hard, crunchy or sticky for at least five hours. Start with soft foods like pasta and smoothies. Give your mouth and your Brava time to get acquainted.
You can return to a modified food routine the day after Brava’s installed:
• Avoid chomping into harder foods like carrots or apples—cut them into slices first.
• If you must have ice in your mouth, use small chips, not whole cubes.
• Cut meat from bones (i.e., ribs) before eating.
• Never open nuts with your teeth.
• Avoid eating sticky foods.
If you just have to chew gum (preferably artificially sweetened soft gum containing Xylitol) while wearing Brava, who are we to say no? But maybe try not to. Brava’s going to work fast to give you a great smile—and you don’t want to gum up the works. That first stick will taste even better when your brand-new Brava smile is ready to go.
Talking with BRAVA
It might, for a little while. Brava is attached and hidden behind your teeth, and your curious tongue will want to poke around. This placement could alter your speech for a week or two as your tongue gets familiar with Brava. Ask Dr. Sagafi for tips about adjusting to Brava.
Loose Teeth with BRAVA
It is completely normal for teeth to feel loose during braces or BRAVA treatment. Like braces and aligners, BRAVA must first loosen your teeth in order to move them.
Once your teeth reach their final position, they will no longer be loose, because new bone will be set around them by your body.
Playing Sports with BRAVA
Yes, as long as you wear a mouth guard. Get one fitted after your Brava is installed. Because Brava sits behind your teeth, it already has some protection from impact, and a mouth guard will add extra security.
Playing Musical Instruments with BRAVA
When you first start treatment, BRAVA may alter your experience with instruments such as the trumpet. Your teeth and tongue might become sore, and you might find it difficult to recreate the notes you played before BRAVA.
All of this will be temporary. Your teeth and tongue will be sensitive at first, so you may have to stop playing for a week until the soreness is gone. Then you can practice, practice, practice!
