What to Expect with Braces
Your life with braces may change slightly – but braces are in no way life altering (only the results are!) Depending on which type of braces you choose, you may need to consider diet changes or be more strict when it comes to brushing and flossing, In general, here are some braces tips for all ages:
What to Eat
You may have more flexibility with clear aligners, but with traditional metal braces or the options listed above, there are some foods to avoid during your treatment. Here are just a few:
- 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, carrots
How to Care for Your Braces
Our team at Beglin Orthodontics are always just a phone call or an appointment away if you need help or have questions about your braces. Once you have your braces, it is important to remember that dental hygiene is priority. Here are the best ways to care for your braces and your teeth underneath:
- Brush and floss (with a waterpik) after each meal
- Avoid the foods described above
- Wear a mouthguard if you are in sports or play hard
- Wear the bands and retainers as prescribed
What Can Go Wrong with Braces
There isn’t a lot to worry about with your braces, but occasionally, there can be some emergencies that arise. Because traditional braces are metal and have parts that can be pokey or uncomfortable, it is important to tell Dr. Beglin if you are experiencing severe soreness or discomfort. Sometimes, braces can have pieces that break – here are some common orthodontic mishaps:
- Pokey wires
- Broken or pokey brackets
- Loose wires
- Loose teeth
- Food getting stuck
If any of these things happen during your treatment, it is important to call our office right away. For pokey wires or brackets, we recommend placing a small piece of wax on the end to protect your cheeks and gums from injury until we can fix them in office.
If food has been stuck and is causing irritation to the gums, there are times when an antiseptic mouthwash is needed. It is important to communicate with our team to ensure you have what you need to take care of your teeth during your treatment.
