Life With Braces
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:
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- 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.
How often will I need to come in for adjustments?
Most patients visit our office every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, Dr. Hadavand will check your progress and make any necessary changes to keep your treatment on track.
Can I still brush and floss normally with braces?
Yes, but you’ll need to be more thorough. Brush after every meal if possible, and use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires. We’ll show you the best techniques during your appointments.
What should I do if my braces are causing irritation?
Orthodontic wax is your best friend! Place a small amount over any brackets or wires that are rubbing against your cheeks or lips. If irritation persists, give us a call and we’ll help you find relief.
How long does the soreness last after getting braces?
Initial soreness typically lasts 3 to 5 days. After adjustment appointments, you may experience mild discomfort for a day or two. This is a normal sign that your teeth are moving into their proper positions.
Can I chew gum if it’s sugar-free?
We recommend avoiding all gum — even sugar-free varieties — while you have braces. Gum can stick to your brackets and wires, causing damage or making them come loose.
Your Partner Throughout Your Orthodontic Journey
Life with braces is an adjustment, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. At Hadavand Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way — from your first day with braces to the exciting moment they come off. By following these guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene, you’ll help ensure your treatment stays on schedule and your smile transformation is everything you’ve dreamed of. If you ever have questions or concerns during your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our McKinney team. We’re always here to help you navigate life with braces and achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!
