LIFE WITH BRACES
Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It's important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
Eating with Braces
Don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
Foods to avoid with braces:
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Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
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Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
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Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
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Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
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Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
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Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
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Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
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Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
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Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
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Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
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Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
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Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
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Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Soreness Caused from Braces and Appliances
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
Loose Teeth
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
Loose Wires and Bands
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Take Care of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Playing Sports with Braces
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I expect during the first week of wearing braces?
During the first few days with braces, it’s normal to experience mild soreness or pressure as your teeth begin shifting into position. Your lips and cheeks may also feel slightly irritated as you adjust to the brackets. This discomfort typically improves within a week.
2. What foods should I avoid while wearing braces?
To prevent broken brackets or bent wires, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, chewing gum, caramel, and ice. Foods like apples or corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces before eating.
3. What should I do if a bracket or wire becomes loose?
If a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, contact the office as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can be placed over sharp areas to prevent irritation.
4. How often will I need orthodontic appointments while wearing braces?
Most patients visit the orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. These regular visits are important to ensure your treatment stays on schedule.
5. How long will I need to wear braces?