Life with Braces
Adjusting to Braces
For the first few days after braces or wires are placed, the teeth are usually tender and sore. The discomfort can be relieved with ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medication. The lips, tongue, and cheeks may also be sore for the first one to two weeks as they adjust to the surface of the braces. Placing wax over the braces as directed will help relieve the discomfort. Rinsing with warm salt water will also speed up the adjustment process. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and rinse for thirty seconds twice per day.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing regularly is an important component of achieving a successful orthodontic result. Food tends to accumulate around braces--especially near the gum line. If the teeth are not cleaned as directed, stains, cavities, or gum problems may develop. After the braces are placed, instructions will be given in brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene will be monitored as well during treatment and, if necessary, recommendations will be made for improvement. Even while under the care of an orthodontist, it is essential to continue to see a regular dentist at least every six months during treatment.
Eating with Braces
After braces are placed or wires are changed, it is normal for the teeth to be sore for a few days and feel slightly loose. During these first few days, it is best to eat soft foods. After the discomfort subsides, patients can return to a normal diet with a few limitations.
Foods to Avoid:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice, tough meats, etc.
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, hard pretzels, etc.
- Sticky foods: gum, gummy bears, caramels, Skittles, etc.
- Hard foods: nuts, candy, etc.
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots, pizza crust (instead, cut them into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth)
- Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils, or fingernails) can also damage the braces. Damaged braces will lengthen treatment
Loosening of Teeth
During orthodontic treatment, it is normal for teeth periodically to become loose as they are repositioned. In fact, teeth must loosen or become mobile prior to being moved. The teeth will lose this mobility after tooth movement has slowed or after braces are removed.
Poking Wire or Brace
Occasionally, a wire or brace will become loose. If a brace is loose or comes off, call the office to schedule an appointment for repair. If a wire protrudes or a loose brace is irritating, gently push the wire or brace away from the cheek or tongue and place wax or a piece of sugarless gum over the wire or loose brace to relieve the irritation. Call the office to schedule an appointment to check and repair the appliances.
Sports
A mouthguard designed to fit around braces is advised for playing sports involving contact. In case of an accident involving the face or teeth, check the mouth and the appliances. If appliances are damaged, call the office for an appointment. If a hospital visit is unnecessary but the injury has resulted in tooth or jaw pain, tooth loss, tooth mobility, tooth movement, a change in the bite, significant swelling, etc., please call the office and follow the prompts to leave a message in the emergency mailbox. We will return the call, usually within 30 minutes.
