Life with Braces

Now that you’ve got your braces, it’s crucial to know how to care for them throughout your orthodontic journey.

Eating with Braces: While you’ll need to avoid certain foods to protect your braces, you won’t have to give up all your favorites. Here’s a quick guide:

• Avoid chewy foods like bagels, crunchy items like popcorn, sticky sweets like caramel, hard foods like nuts, and anything that requires biting into, like apples.
• Enjoy soft cheese, pudding, pancakes, soft tortillas, cooked pasta, tender meats like chicken, and soft vegetables like mashed potatoes. Soft fruits and treats like ice cream are also safe.

Managing Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some soreness when you first get your braces. To ease this:

• Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of lukewarm water).
• If soreness persists, consider over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Apply orthodontic wax to any areas where your braces are causing irritation.

Handling Loose Teeth and Appliance Issues:

• Don’t panic if your teeth feel loose—that means your braces are working!
• If wires or bands loosen, use the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to adjust them temporarily, and apply wax if they irritate your mouth.
• Contact our office immediately for any breaks or discomfort.

Activity and Sports:

• Continue playing sports, but always wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. We can help you find the right one.
• Check your mouth and appliance for damage after any incidents and contact us if you find any.

Proper care of your braces will help ensure a smoother, more effective treatment. If you have any issues or need more wax, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.