Getting braces is a very exciting milestone in your quest for your best smile and it comes with a lot to think about, from caring for your new appliance to dreaming about what your teeth will look like when it’s over! The team at Eastern Virginia Orthodontics has provided countless patients with braces in Norfolk and Chesapeake, VA, and we know that it can be a bit of a challenge to adjust to your new braces lifestyle. That’s why we’ve compiled five tips to make the first week with braces a breeze.
1) Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
One way to make adjusting to braces easier is to follow the list of recommended foods your orthodontist provides. It may be a no-brainer, but avoiding difficult to chew, over-sticky, and hard and crunchy foods will save you lots of trouble cleaning, and will prevent you from accidentally damaging your appliance. Not only that but it will reduce the soreness you may experience as your mouth adjusts to having braces.
2) Cleaning Tools That Help
Cleaning your teeth now that you have braces is more complicated than it used to be. There are lots of places in and around the appliance where food can get trapped and encourage bacterial growth, potentially leading to tooth decay. And now that there’s a wire across your teeth, traditional flossing isn’t an option! Opt for a Waterpik, a handy device that uses a concentrated jet of water to “floss” in-between your teeth and braces. Mouthwash may also be a good idea to give everything an extra rinse, prevent cavities, and staining.
3) How to Manage Minor Aches and Pains
When you get braces for the first time, your teeth will likely feel a bit sore as they adjust to the gentle but constant pressure from the appliance. Fortunately, this discomfort will fade very quickly not only as you get used to the feeling, but also as your teeth begin to shift into the desired position. Remember to avoid foods that could damage the appliance and cause pain, and make sure to clean thoroughly between each tooth. Any trapped particle of food can cause inflammation and irritation, especially with braces. If the soreness becomes too much, simply take acetaminophen, but avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can slow down tooth movement.
4) Have Fun Customizing!
One of the best things about braces is that they’re a fashion statement, especially if you have traditional metal braces with rubber bands! Choose colors that inspire you and practice coordinating them to match your outfit.
5) Consult Your Orthodontist
Whether you’re interested in getting braces for the first time or need more tips and tricks for living with braces, contact Eastern Virginia Orthodontics. We will match you with the best type of braces to suit your needs, and support you on every step of your smile journey. If you have any questions about braces or other orthodontic treatment, contact us or fill out an appointment request to get started.
