Tips for Making Your Orthodontic Journey a Success
Now that you have your braces, how do you care for them? You need to know how to care for your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment properly so that you can enjoy the healthy, straight teeth you worked so hard for.
EATING WITH BRACES
Don't worry; you'll be snacking on popcorn and potato chips in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you must take special care to avoid foods that could damage your braces.
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 BY BRACES
It's common to experience tenderness or soreness in your teeth and mouth when you first get braces. Don't worry; this discomfort is temporary and will pass! To alleviate the pain, we suggest dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a small glass of lukewarm water and swishing and gargling the solution in your mouth for a few minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain persists and is more severe, you may also take a pain reliever. Additionally, it's normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for the first one to two weeks as they adapt to the braces. If you need relief, just let us know, and we can provide wax to place over the braces to reduce tenderness.
BRACES AND LOOSENED TEETH
Feeling some looseness in your teeth after getting braces is common and nothing to be concerned about. This is because the braces are designed to gradually shift your teeth into their correct position, which requires them to loosen up initially. The looseness will subside as the teeth move into new places, and your teeth will become stable again.
LOOSE WIRES AND BANDS
If the wires and bands on your braces become loose, please get in touch with us immediately so we can examine and fix them. If any part comes off, keep it safe and bring it to the office.
To temporarily fix the loose wire, use an eraser end of a pencil to push it back into place gently. Suppose the wire is irritating your lips or cheeks. In that case, you can apply a small amount of wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to alleviate the pain.
CARE FOR YOUR APPLIANCES
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move in correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances your doctor prescribes.
PLAYING SPORTS WITH BRACES
Great news for athletes! You can continue playing sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment! To protect your teeth and braces, we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard. Please let us know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In the event of a sports emergency, it's essential to check your mouth and braces for damage. Please get in touch with our office immediately if you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage. To temporarily relieve discomfort, apply wax or rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
ORAL HYGIENE WITH ORTHODONTICS
Keeping your braces and teeth clean is crucial to ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment. Braces can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, you can prevent these issues and help your braces straighten your teeth effectively.
Plus, a clean and healthy mouth supports your orthodontic care and contributes to your overall well-being. So, prioritize keeping your braces and teeth clean for a beautiful, healthy smile.
Achieve Your Best Smile Yet With Braces in College Station!
Don't let your orthodontic treatment slow you down! Learn how to properly take care of your braces with our helpful tips. We've got you covered, from eating the right foods to dealing with soreness and loose wires.
Remember, taking care of your braces is essential to ensuring the success of your treatment and achieving the perfect smile you've always wanted. So, let's work together to ensure your braces are well-maintained and keep you on the path to a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today for more information about braces in Caldwell or College Station or to schedule an appointment. You can also learn more about us by checking our business page.
