Life with Braces

Now that you have your braces, you might be wondering, "How do I keep them looking and feeling their best?" Don't worry — we've got you covered! Taking care of your braces is super important to make sure your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly and your smile shines bright.

Eating with Braces

Good news — you'll be eating popcorn, snacking on chips and enjoying sticky treats again in no time! But for now, you'll want to avoid foods that could damage your braces.

Foods to avoid:

• Sticky and chewy — bubble gum, Starburst, Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, caramels, taffy, Airheads (*you can chew sugarless gum)
• Hard and crunchy — popcorn, peanuts, hard candies, lollipops, hard tacos, hard pretzels, Doritos and Fritos (*don't chew on pens, pencils, ice or your fingernails)
• Foods that require biting into — bagels, pizza crust, hard rolls, carrots, celery, corn on the cob, apples, pears (*cut foods into bite sized pieces and remove meats from the bone)
• Limit sugary drinks and juices

Foods you CAN enjoy:

• Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milkshakes
• 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 from Braces

When your braces go on, it's normal for your teeth and mouth to feel tender or sore for a few days. Here's what helps:

• Saltwater rinse: Dissolve 1 tsp salt in 8 oz. of lukewarm water and swish for a couple minutes (don't swallow!).
• Pain relievers: If soreness is stronger, over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen work well.
• Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse: It helps soothe tender gums caused by orthodontic appliances. Use as directed on the bottle.
• Wax: If your lips, cheeks or tongue get irritated, use wax to cover the braces and relieve discomfort.

Loose Teeth

If your teeth feel a little loose, don't worry! This is completely normal. Braces work by gently loosening teeth so they can move into their correct positions. Once they're in place, your teeth will feel stable again.

Loose Wires and Bands

Sometimes wires or bands may come loose. If this happens:

• Call us as soon as possible so we can repair your braces.
• Temporary fix: You may be able to gently push a loose wire back in place with the eraser end of a pencil for a temporary fix. Cover poking wires with wax to protect your lips and cheeks.

Take Care of Your Appliances

If appliances like rubber bands, headgear, and retainers are part of your treatment, they are essential for keeping your treatment on track. Consistently wearing them ensures your teeth and jaw move into the right positions and can help treatment time be more efficient.

Playing Sports with Braces

Game on! You can still play sports while wearing braces. Just be sure to:

• Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and appliances.
• If you have a sports injury, check your mouth and braces immediately.
• For temporary relief from irritation or discomfort, use wax, rinse with warm saltwater or Peroxyl, then give us a call.

With the right care and attention, your braces will do their job smoothly, and you'll be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile in no time!