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Starting your journey toward a straighter smile is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. To ensure your treatment at Orthodontic Harmony is as efficient and comfortable as possible, maintaining excellent oral health is essential. When patients follow consistent braces care instructions, they not only prevent cavities and staining but also help keep their treatment timeline on track.
As your orthodontist in Briarcliff Manor, NY, I want to ensure you have all the tools necessary to protect your investment. Below is my comprehensive guide to navigating life with braces while maintaining a healthy, radiant smile.
Mastering Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Brackets and wires create small spaces where food particles and plaque can easily hide. Without a diligent routine, this can lead to “white spots” (decalcification) or gum inflammation.
The Brushing Technique
You should brush your teeth at least four times a day: after every meal and before bed.
- 1Angle the Brush: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line.
- 2
Clean Around Hardware: Use circular motions to clean the area between the gums and the brackets, then brush the brackets themselves and the undersides of the wires.
- 3Check Your Work: Use a mirror to ensure no food debris remains. If you are using digital braces, you’ll find that the precision fit makes cleaning slightly easier, but thoroughness is still key.
Essential Flossing Tools
Flossing with braces takes a bit more patience, but it is non-negotiable.
Floss Threaders: These help you guide the floss under the archwire.
Water Flossers: An excellent supplemental tool to blast away debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Interproximal Brushes: Often called “Christmas tree brushes,” these are perfect for cleaning under the wire and around the brackets.
Navigating the “Braces-Friendly” Diet
One of the most important braces care instructions involves what you eat. Protecting your appliances from damage prevents “emergency” repair visits and keeps your treatment moving forward.
Foods to Avoid (The “No-No” List)
Sticky Foods: Taffy, caramels, and gum can pull brackets off the teeth.
Hard Foods: Nuts, ice, and hard pizza crusts can bend wires.
Crunchy Snacks: Popcorn (the unpopped kernels) and hard pretzels are common culprits for broken hardware.
Foods to Enjoy with Caution
You can still enjoy apples and carrots, but you must cut them into small, bite-sized pieces rather than biting directly into them. During your initial orthodontic consultation, our team provides a full list of snacks that are safe for your new smile.
Managing Comfort and Emergencies
It is normal to feel some soreness after an adjustment or when you first get your braces.
Orthodontic Wax: If a bracket is irritating your cheek, a small pea-sized amount of wax can provide immediate relief.
Saltwater Rinses: To soothe any minor irritation inside the mouth, rinse with warm salt water.
Loose Brackets: If a wire or bracket feels loose, don’t panic. Cover it with wax and call our office. Most minor issues can be addressed during your next scheduled visit, but we are always here to help.
Maintaining the “Harmony” of your treatment means staying proactive. Whether you are wearing orthodontic retainers or full braces, the care you provide at home is 50% of the success story.
Trusted Care for the Westchester Community
Dr. Tracy Li Cheung and the team at Orthodontic Harmony are proud to provide expert guidance to patients throughout Briarcliff Manor and its neighboring communities:
- Briarcliff Manor & Scarborough: Our home base for personalized orthodontic care.
Ossining & Croton-on-Hudson: Conveniently located for families traveling along the Route 9 corridor.
- Chappaqua & Millwood: Serving students and professionals in the 10514 area.
Pleasantville & Valhalla: A quick trip for residents looking for a board-certified specialist.
A Partnership for Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between you and your clinical team. By following these braces care instructions and staying committed to your hygiene routine, you ensure that the day your braces come off, the smile underneath is healthy, bright, and perfectly aligned. At Orthodontic Harmony, we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should continue seeing your general dentist every six months for professional cleanings. In fact, some patients benefit from cleanings every three to four months while wearing braces.
Use the end of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire away from the sensitive area, or cover the end with orthodontic wax and contact us for an appointment.
Yes! However, we strongly recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliances from impact.
The ceramic material itself doesn’t stain, but the clear ties used to hold the wire can. Avoiding dark-colored foods like turmeric or coffee can help keep them looking invisible.
One of the advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable. You simply take them out to brush and floss normally, though you must clean the aligners themselves with a soft toothbrush and cool water.
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What Our Patients Say
Carmine Ingenito
4 weeks ago
5 stars honestly isn’t enough. I’ve been a patient here for almost 2 years and needed pretty extensive treatment for sleep apnea, including surgery and an expander. None of it was easy, but the care I received throughout the entire process was incredible.
Dr. Tracy and Ayxa are not only exceptional at what they do, but they’re genuinely kind people who truly care about their patients. They always took the time to answer my questions, made me feel comfortable, and never made me feel rushed. You can tell they actually want the best outcome for every person who walks through their doors.
If you’re looking for an orthodontic practice that combines expertise with genuine compassion, I can’t recommend Orthodontic Harmony enough. I’m incredibly grateful I found them.
Dr. Tracy and Ayxa are not only exceptional at what they do, but they’re genuinely kind people who truly care about their patients. They always took the time to answer my questions, made me feel comfortable, and never made me feel rushed. You can tell they actually want the best outcome for every person who walks through their doors.
If you’re looking for an orthodontic practice that combines expertise with genuine compassion, I can’t recommend Orthodontic Harmony enough. I’m incredibly grateful I found them.
katie scuder
1 month ago
Dr. Tracy and Aiksa are truly exceptional. Not only are they highly skilled and knowledgeable in their field, but they are also genuinely kind and caring people. Every time I visit, I feel welcomed from the moment I walk in, and I always leave with a smile and feeling better than when I arrived.
What sets them apart is how much they truly care about their patients. Throughout my treatment, there were a few unexpected challenges caused by mistakes from a previous dentist. While those setbacks were frustrating and extended the process, Dr. Tracy and her team handled everything with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. They corrected the issues and continuously supported and encouraged me during a stressful time.
Orthodontic Harmony is, without a doubt, the best dental practice I have ever been to. I am incredibly grateful for the care, kindness, and outstanding service they provide.
What sets them apart is how much they truly care about their patients. Throughout my treatment, there were a few unexpected challenges caused by mistakes from a previous dentist. While those setbacks were frustrating and extended the process, Dr. Tracy and her team handled everything with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. They corrected the issues and continuously supported and encouraged me during a stressful time.
Orthodontic Harmony is, without a doubt, the best dental practice I have ever been to. I am incredibly grateful for the care, kindness, and outstanding service they provide.
Jason Marquard
2 months ago
I went to see Dr. Tracy as an adult for treatment of crowding of my lower front teeth that was causing me some discomfort. She came up with an excellent treatment plan and executed it seamlessly within about an 8 month period from braces to retainer. I’m very, very pleased with the result both aesthetically and in terms of comfort. For personal attention, care, and excellence look no further than Orthodontic Harmony. Thank you Dr. Tracy and Ayxa you guys are the best!
Millie Almonte
3 months ago
Dr. Tracy and her staff are absolutely wonderful! We’ve had such a great experience with my son’s orthodontic care, Dr. Tracy is very responsible and professional with appointments, always organized and punctual. She explains everything clearly and takes the time to make sure we fully understand the process and treatment plan. She is also incredibly attentive, patient, and caring, which makes every visit comfortable and stress-free. Her staff is just as kind, welcoming, and helpful. We truly appreciate the exceptional care they provide and highly recommend Dr. Tracy and her team!
Chelsea Boothe
3 months ago
I was disappointed to learn that I paid ~$6500 for treatment only for this office to not have a finalized scan of my teeth on file. I was given active clear aligners at my final appointment in addition to several inactive trays and told that if I needed more trays I’d need to get my teeth rescanned and it would cost around $1200-1400. I ended up asking my dentist to scan my teeth as his office can mail you new trays at a moment’s notice if anything happens. This was especially disappointing because Dr. Cheung knew that I only lived here while my husband attended school, I’d never be able to get to her office to get rescanned if something happened to my trays.
Additionally, I was told the office could remove and replace my brackets/buttons for the clear aligners prior to my wedding as a complimentary service. In the end, Dr. Cheung felt I was far enough along in my progress that we didn’t need to put those particular brackets/buttons back after the wedding. I was fine with this because I trusted her opinion, but this resulted in a tooth on my upper left side sitting higher than the rest of my teeth. I was told this would get better, but it did not.
When I was initially invited to do a Google review by Dr. Cheung, I would’ve given 5 stars, but it was what happened at the finish line that really ruined the experience for me. My smile turned out beautifully, I just would have expected my tooth to sit flush like the rest of my teeth and for my final form to be on file without an additional cost.
Additionally, I was told the office could remove and replace my brackets/buttons for the clear aligners prior to my wedding as a complimentary service. In the end, Dr. Cheung felt I was far enough along in my progress that we didn’t need to put those particular brackets/buttons back after the wedding. I was fine with this because I trusted her opinion, but this resulted in a tooth on my upper left side sitting higher than the rest of my teeth. I was told this would get better, but it did not.
When I was initially invited to do a Google review by Dr. Cheung, I would’ve given 5 stars, but it was what happened at the finish line that really ruined the experience for me. My smile turned out beautifully, I just would have expected my tooth to sit flush like the rest of my teeth and for my final form to be on file without an additional cost.
Lauren Links
3 months ago
This practice was recommended to me by a fellow parent for their caring approach to orthodontistry. And they exceeded our expectations! Dr. Tracy has the most wonderful bedside manner, which matters a lot when it's a child's first medical happening. She took an educational approach to teaching him and us about his expanders, with beautiful results 9 months later. The office has all of the things you want: clear communication, excellent management of payment and insurance matters, clean and convenient office and on time appointments!!! It really felt like having a family care for us! I highly recommend! We drove 30 min each way for the appointments and it was worth every minute for the supportive collaboration and great work.
Iron Paws
4 months ago
Bar none. First off, their office is immaculate and extra clean. Dr.Cheung and her team are in a league of their own. This is my first time doing any type of orthodontic treatment (I needed alot of work). She is very thorough, precise and took her time to come up with my personal treatment plan, which she customizes for each patient and walks you through the whole process. It is a commitment on behalf of the patient as well which she helped me understand and iwas able to get on board and work with her. Im nearing the end of my treatment and it’s bittersweet because they’re really a pleasure to deal with. Bonus: Although I was ready to pay out of pocket for my treatment, she was able to work with my insurance! Thank you again Orthodontic Harmony team you!
Stephen Gomez
5 months ago
Dr. Cheung and everyone at Orthodontic Harmony have helped me through my orthodontic journey in an unexplainable way. They made sure I was always informed, comfortable, and satisfied every step of the way. They helped me coordinate with my surgeon and my dentist to make sure there were no loose ends. I genuinely believe my orthodontic journey wouldn’t have been nearly as success without Dr. Cheung on my team.
Samantha Mckay
5 months ago
My daughter and I had an excellent experience with Dr. Tracy at Orthodontic Harmony. She was recommended by our pediatric dentist and we very much trust his opinion. She was very clear about each step of the process and took the time to make sure we understood next stops as well. I would 100% recommend her to anyone seeking an orthodontist in the area.
Diep Le
6 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had a wonderful experience with Orthodontic Harmony. Jonathan has just completed his orthodontic treatment, and the results are absolutely beautiful. His progress throughout the process was excellent, and we felt very confident every step of the way.
The care was truly outstanding — professional, attentive, and thorough. The entire staff is incredibly kind and caring, always making sure Jonathan felt comfortable and well taken care of.
We are extremely happy with the results and highly recommend Orthodontic Harmony to anyone looking for exceptional orthodontic care.
We had a wonderful experience with Orthodontic Harmony. Jonathan has just completed his orthodontic treatment, and the results are absolutely beautiful. His progress throughout the process was excellent, and we felt very confident every step of the way.
The care was truly outstanding — professional, attentive, and thorough. The entire staff is incredibly kind and caring, always making sure Jonathan felt comfortable and well taken care of.
We are extremely happy with the results and highly recommend Orthodontic Harmony to anyone looking for exceptional orthodontic care.
Tomomi Arata
7 months ago
We’re fortunate to have found Dr. Tracy Cheung and her team at Orthodontic Harmony. We, parents of a teenager, were complete novices in visiting Orthodontists’ offices to learn about the entire process of getting braces for our daughter. Dr. Cheung, her assistant, Ayxa, and staff immediately welcomed us and eased our apprehension. Among the myriad of great attributes of Dr, Cheung, such as her friendliness, professionalism, and patience, what we’re most pleased with is her integrity. We followed her clear guidance and saw the reinforced result. We firmly recommend Dr. Cheung, Ayxa, and everyone at Orthodontic Harmony to anyone who seeks the finest orthodontic experience.
Miranda Waterbury
7 months ago
My experience has been excellent. I came into the consultation not sure what to expect and with frankly low expectations of results due the extreme crowding. Fast forward and I have a great straight smile and the entire staff worked together as my team to get best results. The practice is pristine and so clean and they have the state of the art equipment for imaging to get best fit possible. I Highly recommend!!
Monique Carrero-Tagle
7 months ago
Both of my children have been well cared for by Dr. Cheung and her team. The practice is extremely professional and they truly care about their patients. Dr. Cheung has a wonderful bedside manner that puts children at ease. Office space was always very clean and well maintained. We are very happy with the results of their treatment and highly recommend Orthodontic Harmony.
A.Bileri
8 months ago
I had an excellent experience with Orthodontic Harmony for my son's treatment. The entire team was kind, patient and incredibly professional. The orthodontist is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything in detail, always making my son feel comfortable during his visits. His teeth look amazing, and the results exceeded our expectations. I am very grateful for the care they provided and highly recommend them!
June Nguyen
9 months ago
I just completed my Invisalign journey with Dr. Tracy at Orthodontic Harmony, and I am absolutely thrilled with my new smile!
The process was seamless. Dr. Tracy is incredibly skilled and attentive, always taking the time to explain what was happening with my trays and answering all my questions. I always felt like I was in expert hands.
If you are looking for an orthodontist who delivers amazing results and offers a fantastic, supportive experience, look no further than Dr. Tracy and her wonderful team. Thank you, Orthodontic Harmony, for my perfect smile!
The process was seamless. Dr. Tracy is incredibly skilled and attentive, always taking the time to explain what was happening with my trays and answering all my questions. I always felt like I was in expert hands.
If you are looking for an orthodontist who delivers amazing results and offers a fantastic, supportive experience, look no further than Dr. Tracy and her wonderful team. Thank you, Orthodontic Harmony, for my perfect smile!
Neyddie C.
10 months ago
I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Tracy Cheung, Ayxa and the team at Orthodontic Harmony. This was my last option for a third opinion of the process I needed to take for my smile. After a sleepless night and extensive research at 2 in the morning, I found Dr. Tracy at Orthodontic Harmony.
Not only is she a true expert but she as well as Ayxa are also incredibly kind and patient. Scheduling was very easy and once I came in for my appt, The protocols they follow to ensure cleanliness and safety is impressing!
Dr. Tracy explained each step of my treatment and what to expect, so I felt comfortable, confident and overall safe and completely at ease with the treatment option I was given.
The communication between the staff and patients has shown me that we are highly considered, thought about and cared for. The follow ups and the willingness to accommodate you if you have any questions or concerns is such an important factor because as patients we never just want to feel like just a patient but like family that matters. And Here, I completely feel that.
I’m so happy I’m at the hands of a skilled and excellent Doctor along with her team. I’m looking forward to continued progress (which I already see in just 6 months)
I truly appreciate the level of detail and dedication put into their work. If you’re looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise with kindness and excellent patient care, Orthodontic Harmony is the place for you. Where you walk in as a patient and leave as family.
Not only is she a true expert but she as well as Ayxa are also incredibly kind and patient. Scheduling was very easy and once I came in for my appt, The protocols they follow to ensure cleanliness and safety is impressing!
Dr. Tracy explained each step of my treatment and what to expect, so I felt comfortable, confident and overall safe and completely at ease with the treatment option I was given.
The communication between the staff and patients has shown me that we are highly considered, thought about and cared for. The follow ups and the willingness to accommodate you if you have any questions or concerns is such an important factor because as patients we never just want to feel like just a patient but like family that matters. And Here, I completely feel that.
I’m so happy I’m at the hands of a skilled and excellent Doctor along with her team. I’m looking forward to continued progress (which I already see in just 6 months)
I truly appreciate the level of detail and dedication put into their work. If you’re looking for an orthodontist who combines expertise with kindness and excellent patient care, Orthodontic Harmony is the place for you. Where you walk in as a patient and leave as family.
Brian Rodricks
10 months ago
I had such a great experience with Orthodontic Harmony! From the beginning, they made me feel comfortable and explained every step of the process clearly. The staff was always friendly, professional, and patient with all my questions. My treatment went smoothly, and I’m so happy with the results my teeth are straighter than I ever imagined. I highly recommend them to anyone considering orthodontic treatment!
Yen Pham
11 months ago
My family has five members, and all five of us are very happy to have Dr. Tracy taking care of our beautiful teeth. She is very serious about her work, intelligent, and highly skilled in her profession. Thank you, Dr. Tracy, for helping my whole family feel happy with our lovely smiles
Diana G
12 months ago
I wanted adult braces for a while and finally decided to go for it. After searching, I found Dr. Tracy Li Cheung and her wonderful team. From the initial visit I knew I was in good hands. Every visit was thorough, informative, and I knew what to expect. Dr. Tracy and Ayxa were there for me every step of the way. I love my new smile! Even my dentist was impressed with the progress. If you’re looking for an awesome team that does a great job, I recommend Orthodontic Harmony!
Jose Lamela
1 year ago
Very nice orthopedic office. The staff is amazing and they do such a great job. They are great with getting back to you right away when you need to contact them. Also the doctor genuinely cares about how you feel about things and making the right decision for you and your family at the moment (both what’s going on physically with your teeth and financially in your wallet).
Lisa Beck
1 year ago
We highly recommend this practice to anyone who needs an orthodontist. Dr. Tracy has been working with my son for about 2 years as he prepped for, got braces, and went through the various steps. My son is amazing, but he is a teenage boy and also tends to chew on everything! Dr. Tracy was so supportive, encouraging, and positive with him, which made the entire process so pleasant. He struggles to remember certain routines, but she never made him feel badly and always worked with us to figure out the best way to help him do what he needed to do.
We had to move about 1.5 hours away in the middle of this process, and we chose to continue commuting back and forth to Dr. Tracy's office rather than finding someone new. It has been worth it because everyone at the office is incredibly friendly, supportive, and encouraging!
In addition, the change in his teeth and smile is significant and we are really happy with the results.
I would also add that this office is so on top of scheduling. We have never had to wait to be seen and are always in and out in a timely way - while never feeling rushed. I truly could not imagine a better experience!
We had to move about 1.5 hours away in the middle of this process, and we chose to continue commuting back and forth to Dr. Tracy's office rather than finding someone new. It has been worth it because everyone at the office is incredibly friendly, supportive, and encouraging!
In addition, the change in his teeth and smile is significant and we are really happy with the results.
I would also add that this office is so on top of scheduling. We have never had to wait to be seen and are always in and out in a timely way - while never feeling rushed. I truly could not imagine a better experience!
Nicole Ceritelli
1 year ago
Orthodontic Harmony has been treating my two children for the last 10 months. Doctor Cheung listened to my concerns about my child’s jaw alignment and tailored a plan of treatment that was specific to him and me! She did not jump into a treatment plan. Rather, she listened to our concerns as a family and made a plan that was best for us all! I have nothing but good things to say about both her and her staff.
Rebecca Sotherden
1 year ago
We had a wonderful experience with Dr. Tracy's orthodontic practice. From start to finish, everything was handled with professionalism and care. Appointments were always prompt and easy to schedule,and the office was spotless and welcoming. The staff was incredibly friendly and made us feel comfortable at every visit. Communication was clear and easy, and Dr. Tracy did an amazing job transforming my daughter's smile. The results are beyond what we hoped for. We're so grateful for the care and attention that was provided. Highly recommend!
Stephenie Molina
1 year ago
Wow! Where can I begin? I’ll start by sharing that I had a cross bite, flared teeth caused by a previous orthodontic treatment done elsewhere and of course my teeth were misaligned. Upon my first consultation Dr, Tracy knew exactly what I needed to start. My top teeth were crowded and I needed a palette expander to create more room in my top teeth. After that I had braces to correct my misaligned teeth. Both Dr. Tracy and Ayxa were very patient with me, interested in my concerns and thorough with every step that was performed. Their level of knowledge and professionalism exceeded my expectations. My braces came off today and I cannot express enough my gratitude towards this great team whom literally has helped me regain my confidence. My smile looks amazing :) and I don’t have to feel insecure about my teeth ever again! Thank you Dr. Tracy and Ayxa for all of your hard work and dedication because it is clearly evident and I will be forever grateful!
Michelle Kenny
1 year ago
My daughter had a wonderful experience here with Dr. Tracy Li Cheung. We highly recommend this practice as Dr. Cheung and Ayxa were always friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough in explaining what to expect and how to care for the palate expander and braces. My daughter just had her braces removed and her teeth look great! She is happy with the results and loves her smile!!
Mariana Mastracchio
1 year ago
I highly recommend Dr. Tracy. She came highly recommended to me by friends, and we have had a wonderful experience working with her.
From the moment we walked in, the office staff was friendly, and Dr. Tracy took the time to explain everything clearly.
She is patient, professional, and has made my son's orthodontic treatment smooth and stress-free. We’ve already seen amazing results and feel so confident in her care.
From the moment we walked in, the office staff was friendly, and Dr. Tracy took the time to explain everything clearly.
She is patient, professional, and has made my son's orthodontic treatment smooth and stress-free. We’ve already seen amazing results and feel so confident in her care.
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