Braces always take some getting used to. Whether you’re a teen just starting treatment or an adult finally making time for yourself, your braces will require a few lifestyle changes and smart habits. At Eastern Virginia Orthodontics, we want to offer you 10 must-know tips for every braces wearer to make your experience a positive one.
1. Learn About the Braces Process
We believe informed patients turn out to be successful patients. Start treatment by doing some homework on what you can expect from fixed braces:
- Brackets: Stainless steel anchors are attached to each tooth.
- Archwires: Threaded through the brackets to apply gentle pressure.
- Elastics: Small rubber bands that connect the archwire to the brackets.
- Adjustments: Regular visits to tighten the wire or change elastics.
Our teams in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach will walk you through every step of treatment, so you never feel blindsided.
2. Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene
Braces are notorious for trapping food and plaque in their tiny components, making brushing and flossing more important than ever before. Be sure to be disciplined about:
- Brushing after every meal
- Using a soft-bristle brush or an electric toothbrush
- Flossing daily using a floss threader or water flosser
- Considering a fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel when recommended
Proper hygiene helps prevent staining, decay, and gum issues during treatment.
3. Watch What You Eat
Sticky, chewy, or hard foods can damage brackets or wires. Do your very best to avoid:
- Chewing gum
- Hard candy, nuts, or popcorn
- Crunchy foods like chips or raw carrots (cut into small pieces if needed)
Stick to softer foods, especially right after adjustments. A braces-friendly diet protects your appliances and keeps your treatment on track.
4. Use Orthodontic Wax for Relief
If your braces rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax is your best friend. Break off a small piece and press it onto any bracket or wire causing irritation. It creates a smooth barrier so your mouth can heal.
We also recommend keeping tools like orthodontic wax in a small travel kit, since you never know when you’ll encounter issues with your appliance.
5. Don’t Skip Appointments
Your regular checkups allow Dr. Peluso or Dr. Savage to monitor your progress, make adjustments, and keep your treatment moving forward on time. If you miss appointments, it can delay your results, so be sure to stay on track! Our office team will always try to accommodate your schedule when possible.
6. Protect Your Braces During Sports
If you or your child plays contact sports, a mouthguard is an absolute must. We recommend a custom orthodontic mouthguard that fits over your braces comfortably—the “one-size-fits-all” options rarely fit. This appliance helps prevent injuries to your mouth and damage to your brackets and wires.
7. Learn from Other Patients
A large number of adults, kids, and teenagers either currently have or have had braces, which means you probably know some people personally who have experienced orthodontic treatment. These friends and relatives can be an excellent resource for learning about your own appliance.
You can ask them about:
- Challenges they might have faced during treatment
- Tips and tricks they learned along the way
- Life after active treatment concludes
8. Stay Positive and Patient
Orthodontic treatment takes time. Some days, your mouth may feel sore. Other days, you might wish your braces were already off. That’s completely normal. It’s important to remind yourself that this is a temporary commitment to set you up for a lifelong smile, especially when times get tough.
9. Follow Our Lead
Dr. Peluso and Dr. Savage have used their combined decades of expertise to change countless lives through orthodontic care in Virginia Beach. Both of our orthodontists are proudly board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. When in doubt, trust in your doctors and stick to their treatment plan!
10. Don’t Forget About Retainers
Once your braces come off, your retainer is vital to hold everything in place. Wearing it as instructed is the final step to protect all the hard work you’ve done. Skipping your retainer use can lead to a lot of issues, since teeth will attempt to shift back into their original positions without your intervention.
One Day at a Time
Patience really is a virtue when it comes to having braces, but we would argue there’s no better reward than your new smile at the end of the process. Remember that we are always in your corner to help support you and answer questions as they arise. We’d love to see you soon in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Chesapeake!