Life with Braces
Eating with Braces:
Let’s discuss what foods you should avoid rather than what you can eat. If you’ve been thinking about losing weight, the first week of wearing braces can be an opportunity for that! In the initial days, focus on consuming soft foods and steer clear of tough meats, hard bread, and raw vegetables. Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy crunchy cucumbers again. However, it’s important to be mindful of your orthodontic appliances while eating throughout your braces journey.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard candies and chewing gum
- Popcorn
- Nuts and seeds
- Sticky or chewy foods (caramels, taffy, gummy candies)
- Hard and crunchy fruits and vegetables
- Tough meats
- Carbonated beverages (soda, fizzy drinks)
General Soreness
When you get your braces on, you may experience general soreness in your mouth and sensitivity in your teeth for three to five days. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve this discomfort. It’s normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated as they adjust to the braces, but applying wax can help reduce the irritation.
Loosening of Teeth
Throughout your treatment, it’s expected that your teeth will feel loose. This is a normal part of the process, as the teeth need to loosen before they can be moved into their corrected positions. Once the treatment is complete, the teeth will become firmly fixed in their new positions.
Loose Wire or Band
There’s no need to panic if a wire or band comes loose. You can use a blunt instrument, such as the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil, to carefully push the protruding wire under the archwire. This will temporarily alleviate any irritation. You can place wax or wet cotton on the wire if the irritation continues. Make sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment for a check-up and repair.
Care of Appliances
To achieve successful treatment, working with your orthodontist is important. Consistently wearing rubber bands, headgear, or other prescribed appliances is crucial for the teeth and jaws to move toward their corrected positions. Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time, so it’s essential to take proper care of them and follow the instructions provided.
Brushing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when you have braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush after every meal, paying attention to all surfaces of the teeth, brackets, and wires. Take your time and be thorough, spending at least two minutes brushing. Don’t forget to floss daily and rinse with mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental check-ups will help ensure your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly.
Flossing
Regular flossing will help keep your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. Flossing with braces requires a little extra effort, but it’s crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to thread the floss under the wires and between the teeth. Gently move the floss up and down, removing any food particles or plaque. Be thorough and take your time, flossing between each tooth. Consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser for additional cleaning.
Sports and Your Braces
If you participate in sports, it’s essential to take extra precautions. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces during contact sports. In the event of any facial injury or accident, check your mouth and braces right away. If your teeth are loose or your appliances are damaged, contact us immediately to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can manage any discomfort as you would with general soreness.
