Adjusting to New Braces

A smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it's no wonder that many people are looking for ways to improve their smile. One popular option is braces, which are effective in correcting a wide variety of dental problems, from minor irregularities to major misalignments!

By applying pressure throughout the smile, braces shift your teeth into a more desirable alignment- however, this isn’t always smooth sailing. As adjusting to the new lifestyle, limitations, and discomfort associated with braces can be challenging!

Let’s go over some bullet-proof tips which best help you adjust to your newfound brackets and wires.

Eating Habits

Most people who get braces are surprised by how many foods they have to avoid. Sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum can easily get stuck in brackets and wires, while hard foods like candy can crack teeth. Similarly, crunchy foods like chips and popcorn can cause damage to braces.

In the first few weeks after getting braces, it is best to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and digest such as soups, smoothies, pasta and so on. Once you get used to your braces, you can gradually add other foods back into your diet but always be sure to avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy items altogether!

Dental Wax

Brackets and wires can often rub against the inside of your cheek, causing soreness. Which is why your orthodontist will likely gift you some handy dental grade wax to alleviate any discomfort. Applying a small amount of dental wax to brackets and wires can help to relieve any pain by creating a barrier between them and your cheek. Simply place a pea-sized amount of wax on your fingertip and press it into the brackets or wires that are causing irritation.

The wax will hold firm for a few hours, after which you can reapply as needed. In addition to providing relief from soreness, dental wax can also help to keep brackets and wires clean by acting as a barrier against food and plaque build-up.

Salt Water Rinse

If you have braces, it's important to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria. One way to do this is to rinse your mouth with saltwater. Saltwater is a natural antibacterial and can help to keep your mouth clean and free of infection.

Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth for a minute or two. Spit it out and rinse with plain water. You can do this several times a day, or as needed. In addition to helping to keep your mouth clean, saltwater can also help to soothe any soreness or irritation caused by your braces.

Keep In Touch

Having a reliable dental professional is the greatest boon to any smile- especially those with braces! During your routine visits, your professional will give you tips on how to perform oral care with braces as well as how to minimize pain after your brackets are readjusted every so often.

It is essential that you follow their instructions in order to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits and prevent any further pain or damage to your teeth. So, if you have any questions, be sure to ask your orthodontist directly, as it’s their job to equip your smile with the knowledge and tools it needs for success!