LIFE WITH BRACES

Now that you've got braces let's talk about how to care for them properly throughout your orthodontic journey. It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and make some adjustments to your diet to ensure a smooth and successful treatment.

EATING WITH BRACES

Now that you have braces, it's essential to be mindful of your diet to ensure a successful treatment. While you'll soon enjoy many of your favorite treats again, there are some foods you'll need to avoid to prevent any harm to your braces. Steer clear of chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, as well as items that require biting into, like corn on the cob and apples.

However, you'll still have a variety of delicious options to choose from, including dairy products, soft bread items, grains, meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and treats. By following these guidelines, you'll protect your braces and make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible.

SOOTHING SORENESS

When you first get braces, you might experience some tenderness or discomfort in your mouth. This is normal and temporary. To alleviate the pain, swish salt lukewarm water for a couple of minutes (don't swallow the saltwater). If needed, you can take a pain reliever. It's also common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to toughen and adapt to the braces, which may lead to minor irritation for a week or two. We can provide you with wax to ease the tenderness; just let us know.

LOOSE TEETH

Don't fret if your teeth feel a bit loose; this is part of the process. Your braces work by gently loosening your teeth to reposition them correctly. Once they are in their new positions, they'll stabilize.

LOOSE WIRES AND BANDS

Occasionally, the wires and bands on your braces may become loose. If this happens, contact us promptly for a checkup and any necessary repairs. In the meantime, you can temporarily secure a loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it back into place. If the wire is causing discomfort to your lips or cheeks, apply some wax or a wet cotton ball over it for relief.

APPLIANCE CARE

Taking care of your orthodontic appliances is essential. Damaged appliances can prolong your treatment. Make sure you wear rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or other prescribed appliances consistently to achieve the best results.

SPORTS AND BRACES

If you're an athlete, don't worry! You can still play sports during your orthodontic treatment. It's a good idea to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. If you ever experience a sports-related emergency, check your mouth and appliance for any damage. If you find loose teeth or appliance issues, reach out to our office right away. You can temporarily relieve any discomfort by using wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Your smile's safety is our priority!