Life with Braces
It is important to learn how to take care of your braces to ensure that your treatment goes smoothly. There are some recommendations below to help you get started.
EATING WITH BRACES
An important part of caring for your braces is to stay away from things that can damage them, this includes food. Your treatment will fly by and you will be back to chewing gum in no time!
FOODS TO AVOID WHEN WEARING BRACES:
- Chewy foods — licorice, whole carrots
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- ice, whole apples
FOODS THAT CAN BE EATEN WITH BRACES INCLUDE:
- 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
The first time you get braces, your teeth and mouth might be a little irritated or sensitive. This is very normal, and we can tell you that your mouth won’t be affected for a long time.
Take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Motrin if the irritation is more intense and doesn’t subside. Usually, the discomfort lasts for one to two weeks, your lips, cheeks, and tongue may become irritated as they become stronger and adapt to the braces. Please let us give you some wax so that your braces won’t cause as much friction. Please tell us if you need wax.
LOOSE TEETH
Do not be frightened if your teeth begin to feel a bit loose; this is quite natural! Your braces must first relax your teeth so they can be moved into the proper position. Following that, your teeth will be secure.
LOOSE WIRES AND BANDS
The wires and bands on your braces might fall off. If this happens, please call us right away so we can check and fix your machine. If any part of your appliance comes off, save it and bring it to work with you.
A spoon or pencil eraser can be used to push the wire back into place. You can put wax over the broken wire if it hurts your lips or cheeks.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPLIANCES
Damaged appliances might lengthen your treatment time, so make sure to look after all of your appliances. Only by using the rubber bands, retainer, or other equipment suggested by us can your teeth and jaw shift into their proper places.
PLAYING SPORTS WHILE WEARING BRACES
We have some exciting news for athletes: Game, Set, Match! Even if you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, you can still participate in sports! If you do participate in sports, a mouthguard is suggested to protect your teeth and appliance. The finest protection for braces is Shock Doctor.
In the event of a sporting emergency, make sure to examine your mouth and appliance for damage very away. Please call our office as soon as you discover any loose teeth or appliance damage. Applying wax to the region might momentarily alleviate the soreness.
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