Navigating life with braces might seem daunting at first, but with the right care and precautions, you can manage your orthodontic journey smoothly and comfortably. Here’s what you need to know about living with braces, from eating the right foods to dealing with discomfort and staying active.
Eating with Braces:
While you can look forward to enjoying popcorn and chips again once your braces are off, there are some foods to avoid to prevent damage to your new braces. Stay away from chewy foods like bagels, hard foods like nuts, and sticky candies. Instead, opt for softer options like dairy products, soft tortillas, pasta, and soft-cooked meats.
Managing Soreness:
It’s common to experience some soreness after getting braces. To alleviate discomfort, rinse with a saltwater solution or take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. Wax can be applied to the braces to ease irritation of lips and cheeks.
Handling Loose Teeth and Wires:
Don’t be alarmed if your teeth feel loose—that means your braces are working as they should. However, if wires or bands loosen, contact us to address the issue. You can use the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to temporarily adjust any protruding wires, and apply wax to provide relief from irritation.
Orthodontic Appliances:
Ensure the effectiveness of your treatment by taking care of all orthodontic appliances. This includes consistently wearing any prescribed rubber bands, headgear, or retainers.
Sports and Activities:
You can still participate in sports and other activities. However, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth. If an accident happens, assess for any damage and contact our office immediately for guidance.