Life with Braces: What to Expect
Living with braces may require some adjustments, but with the right care and habits, you’ll be on your way to a beautiful, healthy smile in no time. At Orthodontic Partners, we’re here to guide you through every step of your life with braces, making it as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Eating with Braces
During your orthodontic treatment, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you eat to protect your braces. Certain foods can damage your appliances, so knowing what to avoid and what’s safe to eat is key to navigating your life with braces.
Foods to Avoid:
- Chewy foods: Bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods: Popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: Caramel, chewing gum
- Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: Corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods You Can Enjoy:
- Dairy: Soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Bread: 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
Managing Soreness
When you first start your life with braces, it’s normal for your teeth and mouth to feel tender. To ease discomfort:
- Rinse with a warm saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water).
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any areas of your braces that are irritating your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
This initial soreness usually subsides within a week or two as your mouth adjusts to the braces.
Dealing with Loose Teeth, Wires, and Bands
As your teeth shift into their new positions, they may feel slightly loose—this is completely normal and part of the process. If a wire or band becomes loose:
- Contact us immediately so we can repair your appliance.
- Use the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push a loose wire back into place.
- Apply wax or a wet cotton ball over any sharp wires causing irritation.
Proper care for your braces is essential to avoid delays in your treatment timeline.
Taking Care of Your Appliances
Damaged appliances can prolong your treatment, so it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. This includes:
- Wearing prescribed appliances like rubber bands, headgear, or retainers consistently.
- Avoiding activities that could damage your braces or other appliances.
Playing Sports with Braces
Good news for athletes! Your life with braces doesn’t have to sideline your sports activities. To protect your teeth and appliances:
- Wear a mouthguard during games or practice.
- Check your braces and teeth for damage after any impact.
- Use wax or rinse with warm saltwater to relieve discomfort from minor injuries.
If you notice any damage to your braces, contact our office immediately for assistance.
Life with Braces Made Easy
Adjusting to your life with braces takes a little time, but with the right care and precautions, your treatment will progress smoothly. At Orthodontic Partners, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces or appliances, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!