Life with Braces

Eating with Braces

When you first get your braces on, there will be a period of adjustment. During this time you may want to eat softer foods, but you'll soon be back to a normal diet. However, we will ask you to be careful with some foods, because they may damage your braces. When they are placed, we will go over a more detailed list to help you.

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. If the tenderness is severe, take whatever medication you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!

Tooth Mobility

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must become slightly mobile first so they can be moved into a new position. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Poking Wire or Loose Brace

Don't be alarmed if a wire or brace comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, or if irritation to the lips/mouth continues, put some wax on it and give us a call so we can get you comfortable. Call our office to schedule an appointment to check or repair it. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you.

Cooperation with Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must be willing to follow specific instructions. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces so the teeth and gums are healthy during and after orthodontic treatment (teeth will move faster through healthy tissue!). Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.

Athletics

If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments which are played with the mouth may require a period of adjustment following placement of braces. Usually the patient has no trouble continuing with their instrument. We can provide a small clear plastic covering for the braces if needed during the adjustment time.