Orthodontic treatment is a wonderful and rewarding process. However, when you first get your braces, it may seem a little overwhelming—practicing oral hygiene habits and skipping popcorn may be hard to remember during your first week with braces. You may even feel a little uncomfortable at first, which is normal. But, we’ve got you covered! Read on for our top tips and information to ensure that your first week of having braces goes smoothly.
Adjusting to new oral hygiene habits:
You will need to brush and floss your teeth more thoroughly in order to keep your braces healthy, clean, and to minimize the risk of complications, such as white spots or even cavities. We strongly recommend that you brush and floss carefully after every meal, regardless of what you’ve eaten. With braces, we’ll recommend some new brushing and flossing techniques to help you get into all the hard-to-reach spaces.
Super soft foods to enjoy:
Quite possibly one of the best things about braces is that you still get the privilege of enjoying ice cream and frozen yogurt! (We recommend, however, that you leave them out of the freezer for a minute in order for them to soften). Other tasty treats, such as oranges, seedless watermelon, and mangoes, are all delicious and healthy options.
You might also consider steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, pancakes, eggs, soups, or mashed potatoes as you adjust to braces. Just remember to always stay away from hard, sticky, or chewy foods! And be sure to stay hydrated. Consistently drink water, as this helps remove loose particles of food that may be lodged in your mouth or brackets.
Other things to know:
Braces work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth, so you may feel a little uncomfortable when you first get them put on. This is normal and will soon pass! In the same way that you may feel sore after working out, it’s not uncommon for braces to feel a little uncomfortable as you adjust. Many patients find that TYLENOL® can help relieve any initial discomfort.
You will also need to adjust to having extra saliva in the mouth, which comes naturally as a result of braces. It may feel strange during the first few days, but your body quickly gets used to braces being in your mouth. You should also be liberal with your orthodontic wax use. It’s effective, safe, and easy to apply. If you experience any discomfort, wax forms a protective barrier between the braces and the cheek or gum, thus cutting back on any irritation. If you ever need more wax, we’re always happy to get you some!
As you can see, the first week with braces will require a little getting used to, but soon you will forget that your braces are even there! In no time at all, the extra steps needed to maintain good oral hygiene with braces will just be part of your daily routine.
Remember, it’s all worth it in the end: that new and beautiful smile will look wonderful, and you will be glad you had braces! If you are ready to learn more about any of our procedures or want to schedule a consultation, call us today. We can’t wait to help you get the smile you deserve!