Life With Braces

• Chewy foods such as bagels and licorice
• Crunchy foods such as popcorn, chips, and ice
• Sticky foods such as caramel and chewing gum
• Hard foods such as nuts and hard candy
• Foods that require biting into such as corn on the cob, apples, and carrots

• Dairy items such as soft cheese, pudding, and milk-based drinks
• Bread such as soft tortillas, pancakes, and muffins (without nuts)
• Grains such as pasta and soft-cooked rice
• Meats and Poultry such as soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, and lunch meats
• Seafood such as tuna, salmon, and crab cakes
• Vegetables such as mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, and beans
• Fruits such as applesauce, bananas, and fruit juice
• Treats such as ice cream (again, no nuts!), milkshakes, Jell-O, and soft cake

In the first few days after you get your braces you may feel a bit of tenderness and soreness in your mouth and teeth. This is to be expected, and the good news is that your mouth will not feel like this forever! You can find some relief by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Simply swish and gargle the water for a couple of minutes without, of course, swallowing the water.

If the rinsing alone does not ease the pain, you may need to try a pain reliever. In the beginning, you may also find that your lips, cheeks, and tongue are irritated as they become adjusted to the braces. We can provide wax for you to place over your braces to lessen the discomfort.

You can also expect your teeth to feel a little loose after you first get your braces. Part of the treatment plan is for the braces to loosen your teeth to straighten them into the best position slightly. Once your teeth are in their proper place, they will not continue to be loose.

It is a possibility that your wires and bands could come loose. If this does happen, contact us as soon as you can in order for us to evaluate and repair the orthodontic appliance. If any pieces come off, make sure to bring it into the office with you.

It is possible for you to perform a temporary fix by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to gently ease the wire back into place if the loose wire is irritating your lips or cheeks while you are waiting to get into the office, place wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire for temporary relief from the irritation.

You will want to work hard to take care of your orthodontic appliances since a damaged appliance can just add to the length of your treatment. The consistent pressure of the appliance on your teeth is what moves them into proper alignment. If there are any questions about your appliances feel free to give our office a call.

During your treatment, it is perfectly fine for you to continue in your athletic activities. We definitely recommend that you wear a mouthguard while playing sports. This is one of those situations where it is worth finding the best mouthguard available for maximum protection.

If you are involved in a sports collision, you will want to check your braces for any damage. Contact us immediately if you notice loose teeth or damage to your braces. You can also find temporary relief from pain and irritation by rinsing with warm saltwater or by applying wax to your braces.

While it is always important to brush and floss regularly, it is EXTRA essential when you are wearing braces. This should be done after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your treatment. You are also making sure to see your general dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Feel free to ask one of our staff members to assist in helping you find the best toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss for your situation.

We’re excited to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Feel free to contact one of our offices with any additional questions you may have about life in braces.