When you begin your journey with braces, it is important to maintain good care habits to ensure the success of your treatment. Proper care of your braces and teeth will help you achieve the best possible results. Here are some tips to guide you through living with braces and keeping your oral health in top shape.
Eating With Braces
Adjusting your diet is crucial to prevent damage to your braces. Avoid certain foods that can harm your braces, including:
- Chewy foods: such as bagels and licorice
- Crunchy foods: such as popcorn, ice and chips
- Sticky foods: such as caramel and chewing gum
- Hard foods: such as nuts and hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: such as corn on the cob, raw carrots and uncut apples
By steering clear of these items, you can help keep your braces intact and your treatment on track.
Managing Discomfort
It is normal to experience some discomfort when you first get braces, as well as for a short time after your braces are adjusted. Your teeth and mouth might feel tender or sore for a few days. Your lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated as they adjust to the new appliances. To alleviate discomfort, our dental team can provide wax to place over your braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage soreness.
Loose Teeth
As your braces gradually move your teeth into their new positions, you might notice that your teeth feel a bit loose. This sensation is a normal part of the process and indicates that your teeth are shifting correctly. Once they reach their new positions, the loose feeling will subside.
Handling Loose Wires and Bands
If a wire or band becomes loose, please contact our office immediately for a repair. Loose parts can extend the duration of your treatment. If a piece of your appliance breaks off, save it and bring it to your appointment for reattachment.
Caring for Your Appliances
Your treatment can only progress as planned if your braces are in good condition. Damaged appliances can delay your progress, so it is vital to take good care of them. Carefully follow the instructions our dentist and team provide, especially when it comes to wearing additional appliances like headgear, retainers or rubber bands.
Braces and Activities
You can still enjoy sports and play musical instruments while wearing braces. For sports, we recommend wearing an athletic mouth guard to protect your teeth, gums and braces from injury. Playing musical instruments may require a brief adjustment period, but your braces should not interfere significantly with your ability to play.
If you have any questions about life with braces, or need further assistance with your braces in Boise, Idaho, please contact State Street Dental at 208-939-1700. Our team will be happy to provide you with more information and help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Davis. We are here to support you every step of the way in achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.