Expect some mild soreness when you first get your braces and after adjustments – it’s totally normal and fades quickly! Pain relievers or cold drinks can help. If brackets or wires rub, dental wax is your best friend! We’ll give you some, or you can find it at most stores. If anything breaks or pokes, use wax to ease discomfort and call us to schedule a fix. We’re here to help!
Think of your braces as needing a little TLC when it comes to food. Avoid hard, crunchy and sticky stuff. Hard foods like almonds or ice cubes, or sticky foods like taffy or gum can loosen brackets leading to extra office visits or extended treatment time. Crunchy things like apples or carrots need to be cut into pieces or softened up by cooking. Sticky treats like caramel and gummy bears are a no-go – they get stuck and are hard to clean, which can lead to cavities. Just a few tweaks, and you’ll be eating happily with your braces!
Braces mean a bit more time spent keeping your smile sparkly! Your brushing and flossing routine will have a few extra steps, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Flossing is a MUST, but can be a little tricky at first. We’ll make sure you know exactly how to floss with braces before you leave our office. Waterpiks are a huge help, but don’t entirely replace flossing.
If you’re into sports, protect that smile! Any impact to your mouth can damage your braces and hurt your teeth. A mouthguard is a must for any activity where you might get hit – even a seemingly gentle tennis ball can cause problems. Ask us for recommendations; we’ll help you stay safe and smiling!
