Welcome to Your Life with Braces!
Congratulations on starting your journey to a brand-new smile! Getting used to braces takes a little time, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. This guide will help you learn how to take care of your new hardware and what to expect as you begin treatment.
This is life with braces!
Eating with Braces: What's on the Menu?
For the first few days, stick to soft foods. Don’t worry, you’ll be eating your favorite crunchy snacks again soon! To protect your braces and keep your treatment on track, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can cause damage.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy Foods: Things like bagels and licorice.
- Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, hard chips, and ice.
- Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, and chewing gum.
- Hard Foods: Nuts and hard candies.
- Foods You Bite Into: Corn on the cob, whole apples, and carrots (cut them into small pieces instead!).
Foods You CAN Enjoy
- Dairy: Soft cheese, yogurt, and milk-based drinks.
- Breads: Soft tortillas, pancakes, and muffins.
- Meats/Poultry: Soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, and lunch meats.
- Fruits & Veggies: Applesauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, and steamed spinach.
- Treats: Ice cream, milkshakes, and Jell-O.
Managing Soreness
It’s completely normal for your teeth and mouth to feel a little tender when you first get your braces. This will pass!
Tips for Relief
- Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Swish gently for a minute to relieve irritation.
- Pain Reliever: If the pain is more significant, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help.
- Orthodontic Wax: Your lips and cheeks will get used to the braces. In the meantime, we can provide special wax to cover any brackets that are causing irritation. Just ask!
Common Occurrences
Loose Teeth? It’s Normal! – Don’t be alarmed if your teeth feel a little loose. This is a sign that your braces are working! The braces must first gently loosen your teeth to move them into their new, correct positions.
Loose Wires or Bands – If a wire or band comes loose, please call us as soon as possible so we can repair your appliance. If a piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to your appointment. You can temporarily push a poking wire back into place with the eraser end of a pencil or cover it with wax.
Playing Sports with Braces
Absolutely! We recommend wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces during any athletic activities. If you have a sports-related accident, check your mouth and appliance for damage and call us right away.