Life With Braces
Life with braces truthfully is not too much different than life without braces, but there are some changes you’ll experience. Some of the main ones are:
- A few food restrictions – Your diet for the most part won’t have to change, but when you have brackets on your teeth you should steer clear of hard, crunchy foods and sticky, chewy foods. We’ll give you a detailed list of specific foods to avoid.Remember that you can often accommodate crunchier foods by making them small before eating. For example, you won’t have to give up apples if you cut them into smaller bites first. If you like fresh corn in the summer, just cut the kernels off the cob.
- Some soreness – For the most part, soreness will only occur when you first get your braces on and after you have an appointment where we tighten your wires. Soreness should go away after a day or two, but for immediate relief you can take Tylenol, Advil, or similar medications as needed. During these periods, you should eat soft foods, soups, and smoothies.Eating or drinking something cold can help out, too. That’s because we use special heat-sensitive wires to speed up treatment, and these wires will be more comfortable when cold and tighter when they’re warm. In addition, many studies show that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol will not only help reduce pain but will also help fight cavities and white spots. Just make sure you chew lightly. No chomping please.
- A more involved cleaning regimen –The hardware in your mouth can trap food, and trapped food can promote tooth decay. You’ll need take a little more time to clean your teeth. We will provide recommendations of special dental tools to help.Meanwhile, it’s particularly important while in orthodontic treatment that you follow the recommended guidelines of seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.
- Appointments – You’ll have to come into our office every one to three months (depending on your individual treatment) so we can check to make sure everything is progressing according to plan, to tighten wires, and to make other adjustments as needed. At Current Orthodontics, we’re aware that our patients and their families have busy lives, which is why we make a concerted effort to work with your schedule and offer weekend appointments. It’s important to come to appointments. Patients who skip are likely to face extended treatment times or oral health issues. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please provide us with at least 24 hours notice.
- A new self-image – Some patients feel embarrassed about wearing braces and hide their smiles, while others smile freely and embrace the positive changes they are making in their lives. We hope you’ll be in the second group, but if you are indeed self-conscious of wearing braces, that’s OK too. That’s why we offer discreet treatment options such as clear braces, behind-the-teeth (lingual) braces, and Invisalign.
BRUSHING & FLOSSING WITH BRACES
Your oral hygiene shouldn’t change with braces. Brushing and flossing is more important than ever while in orthodontic treatment. You’ll just need to use a different technique to brush and floss with braces. It’s not difficult, it will just take some practice and getting used to. Watch our quick video for tips and tricks from the Current Orthodontics team!
