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Life With Braces
How to get the best results out of of your braces treatment
Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? You must know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment. Patient care instructions that must be followed during the braces treatment prevent your orthodontics appliance from damage. We want you to feel confident as you start and continue your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces—during or after your treatment—please feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment at any of our locations: Rialto Office 1747 North Riverside Avenue Rialto, CA 92376 (909) 875-1901 or Redlands Office 215 E. Olive Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 792-5800. We’re here to help.
The information listed here is for reference only, the instructions given in office by Dr. Todd and our staff should be considered the authoritative source for how to take care of your braces during your treatment.
Eating With Braces
Don’t worry, you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
Foods to avoid with braces
- Chewy foods – bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods – popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods – caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods – nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into – corn on the cob, apples, carrot
Foods you CAN eat with braces
- Dairy – soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Bread – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins w/o nuts
- Grains – pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry – soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood – tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits – applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats – ice cream w/o nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Important information about life with braces
The process of adjusting to braces or other orthodontic appliances can be uncomfortable at first, but there are ways to manage any pain or irritation you may experience. After getting your braces put on, it’s normal to feel some soreness in your teeth and mouth. However, this will subside over time. To alleviate any discomfort, you can dissolve a teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with the solution for a few minutes. If the pain is more intense, you can take pain medication.
It’s also common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated during the first couple of weeks as they toughen up and get used to the braces. If this occurs, the team at Ehrler Orthodontics can provide you with some wax to apply over the braces and ease the tenderness. In the event that your teeth feel loose, there’s no need to worry. This is a natural part of the orthodontic process as the braces work to shift your teeth into the desired position.
If you notice any loose wires or bands on your braces, it’s important to contact your orthodontist right away. They can evaluate the damage and make necessary repairs. In the meantime, you can gently push the wire back into place with a spoon or pencil eraser. If the wire is causing irritation to your cheeks or lips, applying wax or a wet cotton ball can provide relief.
Taking care of your braces and other appliances is essential to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Consistently wearing rubber bands, headgear, or retainers is crucial for achieving optimal results.
Maintaining your braces and other appliances is essential to ensure that your treatment progresses as planned. Consistently wearing rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or any other prescribed appliance is crucial for achieving optimal results.
If you participate in sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces from damage. Let your orthodontist know if you need assistance finding the right mouthguard for maximum protection. In the event of a sports-related injury, it’s important to immediately check your mouth and appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth or damage to your appliance, contact your orthodontist right away. Applying wax or rinsing your mouth with saltwater can help relieve discomfort until you receive professional care.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The information provided in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as medical advice.