Getting Braces:
What to Expect and How to Care for Your New Smile
You’ve got your braces on—now what? At Vac Orthodontics, we’ll guide you through the first days and weeks of your treatment to ensure your braces work effectively and comfortably. From eating and cleaning to managing soreness and protecting your appliances, our tips will help you maintain a healthy, happy smile throughout your orthodontic journey.
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Starting Your
Braces Treatment
You got your braces on...now what?
After you get your braces on, our team at Vac Orthodontics will spend time with you to show you how to take care of your braces and to avoid any problems.
Eating With Braces
For the first few days after you get your braces on, it is best to stick to soft foods that are easy to eat. Also, you should avoid sticky, chewy foods that could cause damage to your braces and prolong your treatment time. If you have any questions about foods to avoid, do not hesitate to ask.
Best Foods to Enjoy:
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies and yogurt
- Pastas
- Casseroles
Foods to Avoid:
- Popcorn
- Caramels, taffy, & sticky candy
- Bubble gum
- Crunchy foods (pizza crust, hard breads)
- Hard foods (nuts, chips)
- Corn on the cob
Taking Care of Your Braces
It is important to be extra diligent with brushing and flossing while wearing braces. It will take a few extra minutes each day to keep everything clean and healthy. We recommend brushing after every meal to ensure the healthiest teeth and gums.
Because our goal is to give you both straight AND healthy teeth, you should continue to see your dentist every 6 months during treatment for regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Soreness from Braces and Appliances
After you get your braces on or start your Invisalign®, it is normal to feel a little discomfort for the first few days when your teeth start moving. You might also have a few sore spots on your gums and cheeks as they get used to the braces. We will give you wax that you can use to place on any spots that are rubbing. If needed, you can always use an over-the-counter pain reliever for the initial discomfort.
Loose Brackets, Bands, or Appliances
Sometimes the wires, brackets, or bands of your braces or appliances can come loose or break. If this happens, please let us know so we can get you in for an appointment to address the problem as soon as we can. If a wire is poking, you can use wax to cover it or use a pencil eraser to push it away from the area where it is poking.
Playing Sports and Instruments with Braces
Playing an instrument or contact sports might require some adjustment after getting your braces. However, braces will not prevent you from participating in these activities. We do recommend wearing a mouth guard while playing sports such as football, basketball, lacrosse, etc. Let us know if you need a mouth guard, and we will provide one at no charge.