Having braces marks a significant step towards achieving a healthier, more aligned smile. The initial period after getting braces brings new sensations and questions about daily care. Understanding how to navigate these changes effectively ensures a smooth transition and successful treatment. This guide provides practical information to help you adjust to life with braces and maintain oral health.
Initial Adjustments
The first few days with new braces commonly involve discomfort as your mouth adapts. You might experience soreness in your teeth and gums, and irritation to your cheeks and lips from the brackets and wires. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage tenderness. Applying a cold compress to your jaw may also provide relief.
Orthodontic wax is a helpful tool for alleviating irritation from brackets and wires. To use it, clean your hands, pinch off a small, pea-sized piece of wax, and roll it into a ball to soften it. Dry the area of the brace causing irritation, then gently press the wax over it to create a smooth barrier between the brace and your soft tissues. While eating, initial difficulties are common, and speech may feel different until your tongue and lips adjust.
Oral Hygiene with Braces
Thorough oral hygiene is essential with braces to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. Brushing after every meal or snack is recommended, as food particles easily become trapped in brackets and wires. Begin by rinsing your mouth with water to dislodge larger food debris.
When brushing, angle your soft-bristled toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gumline, using gentle circular motions. Then, angle the brush downwards to clean the tops of brackets, and upwards to clean underneath them, ensuring all tooth surfaces are cleaned. Interdental brushes are useful for cleaning tiny spaces between teeth and around brackets and wires that a regular toothbrush might miss. Flossing daily is also crucial; a floss threader can help guide the floss under the archwire to clean between teeth effectively.
Dietary Considerations
Adjusting your diet is necessary to protect your braces from damage and to prevent issues like broken brackets or bent wires. Hard, crunchy, and sticky foods should be avoided as they can dislodge brackets, bend wires, or get stuck in the appliance. Examples of foods to avoid include popcorn, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, caramels, and tough meats. Even healthy hard foods like whole apples or raw carrots should be cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces before eating.
Focus on consuming soft foods, especially during the first week after getting braces or after adjustments, when your teeth may be sensitive. Options include oatmeal, scrambled eggs, soups, well-cooked pasta, soft cheeses, yogurt, and tender meats or seafood. Cutting food into small pieces and chewing slowly with your back teeth can also help minimize pressure on your braces. Sugary foods and drinks should be limited, as they can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay around the braces.
Managing Common Issues
Minor issues can arise with braces; knowing how to handle them temporarily provides comfort before seeing your orthodontist. If a wire pokes your cheek or gum, apply orthodontic wax over the sharp end to create a smooth surface and reduce irritation. Ensure the area is dry for wax adhesion. For thinner wires, you might gently push the wire back into a more comfortable position using the eraser end of a clean pencil or a cotton swab.
A loose or broken bracket usually does not constitute an emergency unless it causes severe pain or a large open wound. If a bracket is loose but still attached to the wire, you can gently push it back into position with a clean cotton swab and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. If a bracket comes off completely, save it and contact your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment. Promptly addressing these minor issues helps keep your treatment on track.
Ongoing Care and Appointments
Regular orthodontic appointments are essential for successful braces treatment. These visits, typically scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks, allow your orthodontist to monitor tooth movement and make necessary adjustments to wires and brackets. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment timeline and potentially lead to complications.
During these appointments, your orthodontist will check for any issues like tooth decay or gum disease, which can be more prevalent with braces due to increased areas for plaque accumulation. If prescribed, wearing elastics or other auxiliary appliances as instructed is important for desired tooth alignment. Compliance with these components influences the outcome and efficiency of your treatment.