Welcome to the next step on your smile journey! Getting braces is exciting, but it also comes with a few changes to your daily routine. Don’t worry—adjusting to life with braces is easier than you think, and our team at Explore Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way.
This guide will help you navigate the first few weeks and beyond, ensuring your treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Eating with Braces
For the first few days, stick to soft foods while your mouth adjusts. Think smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. As you get more comfortable, you can expand your diet, but you’ll need to avoid certain foods that can damage your braces.
Foods to Enjoy
- Dairy: Soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: Soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains: Pasta, soft-cooked rice
- Proteins: Soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Fruits & Veggies: Applesauce, bananas, steamed vegetables
- Treats: Ice cream (without nuts), milkshakes, Jell-O
Foods to Avoid (For Now!)
- Chewy Foods: Bagels, licorice, thick breads
- Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, ice, hard chips
- Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, gummy candies
- Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, tough jerky
- Foods You Bite Into: Corn on the cob, whole apples, carrots (cut these into small pieces instead!)
Managing Soreness and Discomfort
It is completely normal to feel some tenderness in your teeth and mouth when you first get your braces or after an adjustment. This is a sign that your teeth are starting to move into their new positions!
The soreness usually fades within a few days. You can manage it by rinsing with warm salt water or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Your lips and cheeks may also need a week or two to get used to the hardware. We’ll provide you with orthodontic wax to cover any brackets that cause irritation.
Handling Common Issues
Even with the best care, you might run into a minor issue. Here’s what to do.
- Loose Teeth: Don’t panic! Your teeth must loosen slightly to move. This feeling will go away once they settle into their final positions.
- Loose Wires or Brackets: If a wire comes loose or a bracket feels out of place, please contact our Santa Maria office. You can temporarily tuck a poking wire back with a pencil eraser or cover it with wax to prevent irritation.
Playing Sports with Braces
Yes, you can absolutely continue playing sports! We highly recommend wearing a protective orthodontic mouthguard to keep your teeth and your braces safe from impact. Ask our team for recommendations on the best type of mouthguard for your sport.
Your Partners in Smile Care
Properly caring for your braces is key to finishing your treatment on time. Always wear your rubber bands as instructed and keep up with great brushing and flossing. Remember, our team is always here to help.
If you ever have a question or concern about your braces care in Santa Maria, don’t hesitate to reach out. We want your experience to be positive, comfortable, and successful!