What You Have to Adjust to When You Get Braces
Getting braces can be an exciting and intimidating experience all at once. On the one hand, you’re finally getting the straight teeth of your dreams; on the other, it means a big change in your lifestyle. It’s important to understand what adjustments you need to make when wearing braces so that you can ensure a successful orthodontic treatment journey. In this article, we’ll explore how braces feel on your teeth and gums, as well as new oral hygiene routines, and food restrictions for maintaining good oral health with braces.
The Feeling
When you first get your braces, the feeling of metal wires and brackets in your mouth can be a bit strange. You may experience some discomfort, but this usually lessens as your teeth begin to adjust to the pressure. As your orthodontist adjusts your braces, you may feel some tightness in your teeth and gums, which is normal. If you ever feel a sharp pain in your teeth or a wire poking your gums, that is NOT normal. Visit your orthodontist so you can take care of any issues making your braces journey harder than it already is.
Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Good oral hygiene is even more important when you have braces, as food can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires. It’s essential to brush after every meal and floss at least twice a day to prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay. Make sure to brush underneath each bracket and wire to get food particles out! Your orthodontist should walk you through the best ways to keep your braces clean, and may recommend an interdental brush or a water flosser to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Food Restrictions
When you get braces, there are certain food restrictions you have to adjust to in order to maintain your oral health and ensure a successful orthodontic treatment journey. These foods include hard, crunchy, chewy and sticky substances like gummy candy, popcorn, nuts and apples. These can get stuck on the brackets and wires and can be really annoying to get off. It’s also important to avoid biting into hard things like ice cubes or whole apples, as these can damage the actual brackets on your teeth. If you have any questions about what foods are safe for you to eat with braces, make sure to consult with your orthodontist.
You’ve made the decision to get braces – Congratulations! Your smile will thank you in the long run. It takes time, effort and adjustments but it is so worth it when your teeth are aligned and looking great. Stay positive throughout the entire process and don’t forget to show off that new smile once they’re off!
Check out this article on dental problems that you need to get checked out!