Welcome to the braces club! Getting your braces is an exciting first step on your journey to a fantastic new smile. Like any new adventure, there’s a short adjustment period. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about navigating life with your new hardware.
Eating with Braces
For the first few days, you’ll want to stick to soft foods. But don’t worry, you’ll be enjoying your favorite snacks again before you know it! The most important thing is to avoid foods that can damage your braces, which could make your treatment take longer.
Foods to Enjoy
- Dairy: Soft cheese, pudding, yogurt, milkshakes
- Breads: Soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
- Grains: Pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Meats/Poultry: Soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Fruits & Veggies: Applesauce, bananas, mashed potatoes, steamed spinach
- Treats: Ice cream (no nuts!), Jell-O, and soft cake are all on the menu!
Foods to Avoid (For Now!)
- 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, whole apples, carrots (try cutting them up instead!)
Handling Soreness & Discomfort
When you first get your braces, and after each adjustment, it’s normal for your teeth and mouth to feel a little tender. This is a sign that your braces are working! To help with the soreness, we recommend gently swishing with a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of lukewarm water.
It’s also common for your lips and cheeks to get a little irritated as they get used to your braces. We are happy to provide you with soft wax to place over any brackets that are bothering you. Just ask us!
What to Do If...
If you feel a loose tooth or have a bracket come loose, here is what you need to do:
Your Teeth Feel Loose?
Don’t panic! This is a normal and necessary part of the process. Your braces have to gently loosen your teeth in order to move them into their new, perfect positions. Once they’re in place, they won’t feel loose anymore.
A Wire or Bracket Comes Loose?
If this happens, please call our office as soon as you can so we can get you scheduled for a quick repair. If a wire is poking you, you can gently push it back into place with the eraser end of a pencil. Placing a bit of wax or a wet cotton ball over the area can also provide immediate relief.
Playing Sports with Braces
Yes, you can absolutely still play sports! We highly recommend wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces during any athletic activities. Let us know if you need help finding the right one. If you do have a sports-related accident, check your mouth and braces for any damage and contact us right away if anything seems loose or broken.