How to Care for Your New Braces
Wearing braces can take some getting used to at first. Not only do they feel different, they do require some upkeep. But the end result is worth it. Here’s what you need to know to make life with braces more comfortable.
Eating with Braces
You’ll still be able to eat your favorite foods, such as:
- Hulless popcorn
- Ice cream
- Fruits without pits
- Baked goods
- Cheese
- Potatoes
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta
You’ll want to cut food into small pieces, especially:
- Raw vegetables
- Croutons
- French/Italian bread
- Fruit
- Hard rolls
- Pizza
- Meat/burgers
- Sub sandwiches
- Corn on the cob
But there are also some foods you’ll want to avoid, such as:
- Popcorn (with hulls)
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- Sticky and hard candy
- Gum
- Corn chips
- Ice
- Pretzels
- Hard baked goods
Living with Braces Also Means…
Seeing the Dentist More Often
Even though you’re seeing the orthodontist frequently, you’ll need to go to the dentist for a cleaning every three months. Braces can make your teeth more prone to harmful plaque and tartar buildup. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove it from your mouth.
Daily Brushing
With braces, you should still brush your teeth twice a day (or after every meal) for at least two minutes with a soft bristle regular or electric toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Brushing is important to remove loose food from wires and brackets. If you can’t brush your teeth right after eating, rinsing your mouth with water can help.
Daily Flossing
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s still important to do daily. You’ll need to direct the floss under the arch wire. An orthodontic tooth threader can help thread the floss under the arch wire. We’ll show you how to use it.
Watching What You Eat
Adjusting to braces is a process, especially when it comes to eating. You’ll probably still be able to eat your favorite foods, but you’ll need to follow the guidelines above.
Using Comfort Wax
When you first get braces, the inside of your mouth can feel sore. Until your mouth gets used to braces, comfort wax can help. To use it, you’ll dry off the bracket and place a ball of wax over it. The wax forms a cushion between your brackets and your mouth.
Protecting Your Mouth If You Play Sports
If you play sports, let us know so we can help you find a mouth guard that’s a perfect fit to protect your teeth.
Adjusting If You Play a Musical Instrument
If you play a musical instrument, it may feel funny when you first get braces. But over time, it’ll get easier. Practice makes perfect!
Dealing with Orthodontic Emergencies
If you lose a bracket, try to find the hardware and make an appointment right away to have it reapplied. If your wires come loose, use orthodontic wax to move the wire back into place. Then, call us for next steps. If it’s after hours, leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
