Braces need some time to adjust to before they feel comfortable. Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after an appointment, so a soft diet is usually best at first. Avoid foods that are hard or sticky because they can damage your braces. Once you get used to eating with braces, you may be able to enjoy many of your favorite foods, but avoid anything that causes discomfort or puts too much pressure on your appliances.
How Should I Brush and Floss with Braces?
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during orthodontic treatment. Keeping your teeth and gums clean helps protect your oral health and supports the success of your treatment.
If you are unable to keep your teeth and gums clean, you may need to visit your dentist more often for professional cleanings.
What Can I Eat with Braces?
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables while your teeth are tender. Before long, you may be able to enjoy many foods again, but you still need to protect your orthodontic appliances for as long as you are wearing braces.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Braces?
Foods to avoid include:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or fingernails can also damage braces. Damaged braces can cause treatment to take longer.
Is Soreness Normal After Getting Braces?
Yes. When you first get braces, your mouth may feel sore and your teeth may be tender when biting for a few days. You may take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or discomfort.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they adjust to the braces. Wax can be placed on irritated areas to help lessen discomfort.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose with Braces?
This is expected during treatment. Teeth must loosen slightly so they can move into their corrected positions. After treatment is completed, the teeth will firm up in their new alignment.
What Should I Do If a Wire or Band Comes Loose?
Do not be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This can happen occasionally. If a wire sticks out and causes irritation, carefully use a blunt instrument, such as the eraser end of a pencil, to gently push the wire back under the archwire.
If irritation continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce discomfort. Call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to check and repair the problem.
Why Is Rubber Band Wear Important?
To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. Teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if rubber bands or other appliances are worn as prescribed.
Not following instructions or damaging appliances can lengthen treatment time, so it is important to follow directions carefully.
Can I Play Sports with Braces?
Yes. If you play sports, please let us know. A protective mouthguard is provided for playing contact sports.
How Can I Stay on Track with Braces?
To achieve the best alignment of the teeth and jaws, patients need to follow the treatment plan consistently. This includes caring for appliances, wearing prescribed appliances such as headgear and rubber bands, and asking questions when needed.
The more inconsistent a patient is during treatment, the longer treatment may take. To help minimize treatment time, wear prescribed appliances as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about life with braces? Dr. Richard Rosenbloom and the team at R & R Orthodontics want every patient to feel comfortable and informed throughout treatment. Below are answers to some common questions about caring for braces and protecting your smile during orthodontic treatment.
Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after getting braces or following an adjustment appointment. Eating softer foods during this time may help improve comfort.
Hard, sticky, and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, which may delay treatment progress and require additional repair appointments.
If a wire or band becomes loose or starts irritating your mouth, use orthodontic wax or gently move the wire out of the way if possible, then contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Rubber bands help move the teeth and jaws into their corrected positions. Not wearing them consistently can slow treatment progress and affect your final results.
Yes. Patients who play contact sports should wear a protective mouthguard to help protect their teeth and orthodontic appliances during athletic activities.