How to Survive Your First Week with Braces

You should be happy about your recent decision to get braces because when it’s all said and done your smile is going to be in stellar condition! Since progress is a process, however, they’re probably going to take some getting used to. Don’t worry, because your orthodontist in Roswell has some tips to help you ensure your first week with braces goes smoothly.

Count on Dental Wax and Salt Water

Even though brackets are designed to be gentle, they can still rub the soft skin in your mouth and cause irritation. Dental wax can provide comfort for these sore spots until your skin toughens over time, so use it as needed.

For significant irritation, you should rinse your mouth out with a solution of warm salt water for about 30 seconds. Do this a few times a day; the salt water will relieve pain and help your mouth sores to heal faster.

Be Diligent About Oral Hygiene

Your braces can effectively straighten your teeth, but they won’t clean them – that is up to you. Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal, carefully clearing out any food particles that are stuck in your brackets or wires. Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure your teeth don’t develop other problems during your braces journey. Stay disciplined because braces do not exempt you from practicing good habits.

Be Prepared for the End of Your Appointment

After receiving your braces, don’t leave the office until you’ve asked your orthodontist any remaining questions about braces. They can explain all instructions clearly and ensure you know what to do moving forward. They can also check your wire ends before leaving because sometimes these wires can poke your tongue and cheeks. You should also ensure you’re equipped with the necessary supplies before leaving. Dental wax, elastic bands, and other related materials are all useful.

Be Careful What You Eat

Even though it’s okay to eat immediately after leaving the office, it’s advised you stick to softer foods for the first few days. Things like pasta, seedless bread, soft veggies, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. are excellent options.

You should avoid certain hard and crunchy foods, as they can harm your braces. Also pass on items like nuts, popcorn, hard bread and pretzels, hard candies, and ice cubes. Sugary, sticky sweets and drinks can adhere to your brackets and lead to tooth decay, staining, and gum disease, so they are “treats” to be very careful about indulging in.

Every person adapts to braces in Roswell differently, and it’s a significant change being made to your mouth, after all! But these tips will help to ensure that your discomfort is minimized during the first week with braces and the process is successful.

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, we offer free consultations so you can ask questions about any service and get a customized treatment plan along with an accurate estimate. Zero percent in-house financing and Saturday appointments are available. If you are interested in traditional braces, you can count on our experienced orthodontists, dental insurance is accepted, and CareCredit financing is available. Schedule an appointment on our website or call (470) 842-9111.