Life With Braces
If you just got your braces on and are wondering what to expect, here are a few tips and insights that will help you get started on the path to a beautiful new smile!
It is not uncommon for your teeth to feel tender or sore after first getting braces. We suggest taking pain relievers such as aspirin. You may take a dose of Tylenol for the first day or two – this should be more than enough to relieve any discomfort. After a few days, you should notice your discomfort decreasing every day until you feel completely normal again, the timing of which can vary from patient to patient.
Before leaving the office
Here are some helpful steps to follow before leaving the office to ensure your orthodontic treatment is as efficient and comfortable as possible:
- Check your archwires with your fingers and tongue – make sure it is not poking any area which might be uncomfortable.
- Double-check that you understand what you’re supposed to do between appointments, whether that means wearing headgear for certain amounts of the day, wearing elastics (rubber bands), or making regular adjustments to a palatal expander.
- Refill your supplies of dental wax, elastics, cleaning aids, or any other needed materials. You don’t want to run out between appointments!
- Be sure your next appointment is scheduled with us before you leave – this will help ensure you have more choices as to which day and/or time you’d like the appointment scheduled. Delaying making appointments puts your treatment at risk of running longer than expected.
When you have braces on, there are certain food items you’ll want to avoid as they can get stuck in your braces or potentially cause damage to the wires. If you just got your braces on, your mouth might be sensitive in the few days following your appointment, so tougher foods or foods with a rough texture could cause some pain and discomfort. Our orthodontists advise that you stick with eating soft foods for the first few days since your mouth is still adjusting to having braces. Over time, you will learn what foods are best and easiest for you to eat without trouble from your braces.
Here are some hard and sticky foods that you want to avoid while wearing braces:
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Chips
- Hard Pizza Crust
- Hard Candy
- Popcorn & Corn Kernels
- Crunchy Vegetables & Fruits
- Bagels & Other Hard Rolls
- Caramel
- Gum
- Soft Chewy Candy
Excellent oral hygiene is imperative while wearing fixed braces. Orthodontic appliances tend to trap food particles, which leads to plaque buildup. If not cleaned right away, these bacteria can corrode the enamel surface of the teeth and cause cavities. It’s a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Watching what you eat and drink will help keep your teeth healthy.
CONTACT US & PLAN YOUR VISIT
Request an appointment online or give us a call. We are here to guide you through every step of the way and make your journey as pleasant and simple as possible.