When you get braces at Lakewood and Claremont Orthodontics, your life won’t change drastically, but there will be some adjustments. You may need to make small sacrifices and modify certain habits or routines to ensure the best outcome for your treatment.
Here’s what life with braces is like, particularly for those wearing traditional braces (with brackets and wires). While Invisalign patients have a different experience, they too will need to make some adjustments.
Occasional Soreness and Irritation
It’s common to experience some soreness when you first get your braces on, or after your braces are tightened or adjusted. This discomfort usually fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any soreness—just be sure to follow the dosage instructions. You can also try applying an ice pack or drinking ice water for relief.
In addition, the brackets and wires may irritate the inside of your mouth at first. Don’t worry—this is temporary, and your mouth will adjust to the braces over time. In the meantime, using dental wax can provide a protective layer between your braces and the inside of your lips and cheeks. We’ll provide you with some wax at Lakewood and Claremont Orthodontics, but you can also find it at most drugstores. If a bracket comes off or a wire becomes loose, use the wax to cover any sharp edges and call our office for an appointment to repair the issue.
An Adjusted Diet
With braces, you’ll need to avoid certain foods that can damage your appliances. Crunchy foods like apples, pretzels, and popcorn can loosen brackets or even cause them to pop off. Similarly, chewy foods such as hard rolls or bagels can put too much strain on your jaw and your braces. If you’re craving something crunchy, cut it into small pieces first, or try softening foods by boiling or steaming them (like carrots or corn).
Sticky foods, such as caramel, taffy, or gummy bears, should also be avoided. They can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay. The residue can be hard to remove, even with regular brushing, and may cause long-term damage if left in your braces.
Allow for More Time to Clean Your Teeth
Taking care of your teeth with braces requires a little more effort than without. Your oral care routine will take longer, and you’ll need to be more thorough to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets and wires. Be sure to check out our page on brushing and flossing with braces for helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to keep your smile healthy.
Protect Your Mouth When Playing Sports
If you’re active in sports, it’s especially important to protect your mouth from injury while wearing braces. A hard impact from a ball, another player, or any other contact during sports can damage your braces, harm your teeth, or injure the soft tissues inside your mouth. We strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard during any activity that poses a risk of impact, whether it’s football, basketball, or even tennis. Feel free to ask us at Lakewood and Claremont Orthodontics for recommendations on the best type of mouthguard for your braces.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your orthodontic treatment while protecting your teeth and appliances. If you have any questions or need additional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Lakewood and Claremont Orthodontics—we’re here to help every step of the way!
