What It's Like With Braces

LIFE WITH BRACES

Do you have braces on? Would you like to know how to take care of them? It’s important to take care of braces so that we can continue straightening your teeth without delay.

Eating With Braces
We know this is the hardest part! But the results will be worth the wait! Also, think of how good that popcorn and potato chips will taste after you have your braces taken off!

Examples of Foods to Avoid with Braces
Chewy – twizzler, bagels
Sticky – chewing gum, caramel
Crunchy – chips, popcorn, ice
Hard – hard candies, nuts
Awkward Bites – whole apples, carrots, corn on the cob

Foods You Can Eat with Braces
Bread/Grains – pancakes, muffins (no nuts), soft tortillas
Dairy – soft cheese, yogurt, pudding
Protein – chicken (soft and boneless), steak (small pieces), meatballs
Vegetables – mashed potatoes, kale, spinach, beans
Fruits – bananas, oranges, grapefruit, apple (small pieces)
Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, cake

Sore?
When your braces are first placed on your teeth, you may notice that your teeth and mouth are a little sore. This is completely normal and completely temporary! Warm salt water rinses often helps, as well. You can make this by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of water. Rinse this solution for a few minutes and spit it out.

For more moderate pain, pain medications such as Tylenol or Motrin can be taken on over-the-counter dosages.

Wax is also available and we would be happy to provide you with as much as you need to overcome the soreness you’re feeling. The adjustment process typically takes 1-3 weeks and is based on how quickly your lips, cheeks and tongue get used to your braces by forming a temporary callus.

Teeth Loose?
That’s ok! This is completely normal. This is part of the tooth-moving process and once your teeth are in the right position, you won’t experience this looseness.

Loose Wires or Bands/Brackets?
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. Please be sure to keep any piece of your appliance that comes off and bring it to the office with you. If a small piece of wire is poking, you may use a pencil eraser to bend the wire back in place. If you’re feeling handy, you may try using a nail clipper to clip the wire that is irritating you, being careful not to damage any of the other appliances.

Care for Your Appliances
Damaged braces and wires can increase the length that you are in treatment. Listening to our team when we ask for elastic wear, headgear, retainers or other appliances will allow us to move your teeth and jaw.

Braces vs. Sports
You don’t have to settle! You can still play your sports. Please let us know if you are playing a sport that requires a mouthguard so that we may give you a special one designed for mouths with braces. Please let us know if you have any sports emergencies. Check for loose teeth or damaged appliances and contact our office.