Life with Braces
Braces Are an Important Step
Congratulations on taking the important step of getting braces! You’re now on your way to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile.
This is an exciting moment, though it may also involve a bit of a learning process
Tips for Living with Braces
As you adapt to your new orthodontic treatment, you might need to make a few adjustments, but soon it will become second nature to you
Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may experience some tenderness or soreness in your teeth and mouth. This is completely normal, and the discomfort will not last forever. To alleviate the pain, we recommend rinsing your mouth with a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of lukewarm water.
Swish and gargle this saltwater solution for a couple of minutes (do not swallow it).
If the pain is severe and persists after rinsing, you can also consider taking a pain reliever. It’s typical for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to feel irritated for one to two weeks as they adjust to the braces.
We can provide you with wax that you can apply over the braces to reduce tenderness. If you would like some wax, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist you
Maintain With Care
Brushing with braces may require a bit of adjustment. It takes practice to maneuver around brackets and wires effectively. Remember to brush thoroughly after each meal or snack to remove food particles promptly and prevent bacteria from accumulating.
If you can’t brush immediately, rinsing your mouth with water can help until you’re able to brush your teeth.
For the best results:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste with a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush promptly as braces wear them out quickly.
- Brush thoroughly around all parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth.
- Ensure your braces appear clean and shiny, with brackets’ edges clearly visible. Dull or fuzzy metal indicates inadequate brushing.
- Floss nightly before bed; use tools like floss threaders or waterpiks if flossing under wires is challenging.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods You Can Eat
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
To keep your braces in optimal condition, it’s important to avoid certain oral habits. Refrain from chewing on objects like pens and ice cubes, biting your nails, or smoking, as these habits can exert unnecessary pressure on your braces. Find alternative ways to keep yourself occupied during orthodontic treatment..
Loose Teeth
If your teeth start to feel slightly loose, there’s no need to worry—it’s a normal part of the process! Braces are designed to initially loosen your teeth to facilitate their movement into the correct positions. Once your teeth have been successfully repositioned, they will no longer feel loose..
Loose Wires, Broken Bands and Damaged Brackets
If the wires or bands on your braces become loose, please reach out to us immediately so we can examine and repair your appliance. If any part of your braces comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
You can temporarily address a loose wire by gently pushing it back into place using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil. If the loose wire causes irritation to your lips or cheeks, apply wax or place a wet cotton ball over the broken wire for relief.
Caring for Your Orthodontic Appliance
For instance, the effectiveness of Invisalign’s clear aligner system relies on wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily as instructed. Compliance is key to ensuring your treatment is successful and achieving the smile you desire.
Playing Sports and Musical Instruments
You can continue playing sports as usual during your treatment, but remember to protect your teeth with a mouth guard designed for orthodontic use. For those using Invisalign, remember to remove your aligners during practice or games.
In case of an accident during sports, check your appliances and mouth immediately. If you notice any damage to your appliances or loosening of teeth, please schedule an appointment promptly.
If you play a musical instrument, you may find it initially challenging to adjust to playing with braces. It’s common to experience difficulty with proper lip positioning.
Sores may develop, but using wax liberally and rinsing with warm salt water will help toughen your lips and cheeks faster than you might expect