Getting braces is a significant step toward improving dental health and achieving a straighter smile. The hardware, composed of brackets, wires, and bands, applies precise, gentle forces to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. This process requires changes to routine care and diet. Understanding the initial adjustment period and implementing maintenance habits are fundamental to a successful orthodontic journey. A proactive approach ensures comfort and keeps treatment progressing efficiently.
Immediate Post-Installation Comfort
The first 48 to 72 hours after getting braces can involve noticeable soreness as the teeth and surrounding tissues react to the new pressure. This discomfort is temporary and generally peaks within the first few days before subsiding as your mouth adjusts to the appliances. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken to manage this initial tenderness, following professional guidance.
Friction from the new hardware can irritate the soft tissues of the cheeks, lips, and tongue, occasionally causing small sores. Orthodontic wax provides a smooth barrier over any sharp or protruding parts of the braces. To apply it, first dry the bracket or wire. Then, roll a small piece of wax into a ball and press it firmly onto the problem area.
Gently rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution can soothe irritated gums and encourage the healing of mouth sores. Dissolving about one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swishing the mixture for approximately 30 seconds helps cleanse the area and reduce inflammation. This simple remedy can be performed several times a day, especially after meals.
Essential Dietary Guidelines
Protecting the brackets and wires from damage requires modifying your diet to avoid foods that can break or dislodge the hardware. Items that are hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy pose the greatest threat to the structural integrity of the braces. Hard candies, nuts, or ice can easily fracture a bracket, while sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull bands off the molars or bend wires.
Chewy foods, such as bagels or tough meats, can strain the braces and become difficult to remove from the appliance components. Crunchy items like popcorn kernels, hard pretzels, and chips can get lodged between the teeth and wires, increasing the risk of damage. Avoid biting directly into hard produce like whole apples or carrots, as the force can be detrimental to the front brackets.
For the first few days, sticking to a diet of soft foods is highly recommended because the teeth will be sensitive and to protect the braces. Excellent choices that require minimal chewing include yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, soft cheeses, and pasta. As sensitivity decreases, harder foods can be safely consumed by cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Appliances
Braces create numerous small spaces where food particles and plaque can become trapped, making a meticulous oral hygiene routine essential to prevent decay and gum disease. Brushing should occur after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic brush, which often features V-shaped bristles. The total brushing time should be at least two minutes to ensure all tooth surfaces and appliances are thoroughly cleaned.
The proper technique involves angling the toothbrush bristles at 45 degrees toward the gum line to clean the area above the brackets, and then angling the brush to clean the area below the brackets. Using small, gentle circular motions helps dislodge debris around the brackets and wires. An interdental brush is an invaluable tool for cleaning the tight spaces directly under the archwires and between the brackets.
Flossing becomes more challenging with an archwire spanning across the teeth, but it must be done at least once daily to remove plaque. A floss threader or specialized orthodontic floss with a stiffened end is necessary to guide the floss underneath the wire before sliding it between the teeth. Once the floss is threaded, move it gently up and down the sides of each tooth, curving it below the gum line for a complete clean.
Troubleshooting Common Braces Issues
Occasionally, a wire may shift and begin poking the cheek or gum tissue, causing irritation that requires temporary relief. Applying a small piece of orthodontic wax directly over the sharp end of the wire prevents it from rubbing against the soft tissue. If the wire is still causing issues and an immediate office visit is not possible, a pencil eraser can sometimes be used to gently push the wire flat against the tooth.
A common issue is a loose bracket, typically occurring from eating hard or sticky foods. If a bracket detaches from the tooth but remains on the wire, it should be left in place and covered with wax to prevent spinning and irritation. It is important to contact the orthodontist immediately to schedule a repair, as a loose bracket is not actively moving the tooth and can delay treatment.
True orthodontic emergencies, such as a wire causing severe pain or cutting into the mouth tissue, or a facial injury that has damaged the appliances, warrant an immediate call to the practice. However, most minor issues, including a poking wire or a loose elastic tie, can be temporarily managed at home with simple tools like wax until the next scheduled appointment.