Life with Braces
Braces are a right of passage for many people in this day and age. Though, despite being well-known, the actual process of living life with braces may not be as familiar.
At Choice Orthodontics, we believe that braces are only as good as the orthodontic team that cares for you while you have them. So, in order to take that first step toward providing excellent care, we want to keep you as informed about the process as possible so you know what to expect.
Eating with Braces
Your braces are made of innovative and refined material designed to carefully create the smile of your dreams. By making a few alterations to your diet, you can protect your braces and minimize repair costs and the need for prolonged orthodontic treatment. For best protection, your orthodontist recommends avoiding the following types of food while wearing braces:
- Extra Chewy Foods — bagels, licorice
- Extra Crunchy Foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky Foods — caramel candies, taffy
- Hard Foods — nuts, hard candies, cold carrots, and corn on the cob
This list is not all-inclusive. For specific questions about foods in your diet, contact our braces experts at our Choice Orthodontics Saint Joseph or Gallatin location!
Protecting Your Braces
In addition to adapting your diet, you'll also need to protect your braces from outside forces. While undergoing orthodontic treatment typically doesn't stop anyone from participating in their normal hobbies and activities, every patient should take extra are when it comes to sports (particularly contact sports). When playing sports, our orthodontist suggests wearing an orthodontic mouthguard. Mouthguards can protect both your braces and your teeth, ensuring that your orthodontic treatment stays on track! You can talk to a team member about getting your own mouthguard the next time you are in our Saint Joseph or Gallatin office.
Orthodontic Checkups
In order to monitor your teeth's progress and make regular adjustments to move along your braces treatment, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist every 4 - 8 weeks. At these appointments, your orthodontist will replace elastic bands and make adjustments according to your orthodontic treatment plan.
Common Side Effecs
When you initially get your braces, it's normal to feel some tenderness or soreness. This discomfort is typical and temporary. We recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes, but do not swallow the salt water. You can also use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Advil while discomfort persists (follow directions as noted). You may also experience mild discomfort the day or two following a braces adjustment appointment. The previous recommendations can help you in this instance as well.
If your wires or bands come loose at any point during your orthodontic treatment, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule a repair. You can temporarily minimize any irritation from poking wires by putting wax over the ends. Be sure to request wax at your next orthodontic appointment so that you have this on hand just in case.
Visit Your Saint Joseph & Gallatin Orthodontist!
Whether you are searching for the perfect orthodontist to start your braces journey or are simply setting up your next braces adjustment, feel free to reach out to Choice Orthodontics at our Saint Joseph or Gallatin office now. You can also check out our website's FAQ page for additional information,
We value our patients and pride ourselves in providing the best orthodontic care in the Saint Joseph, Gallatin, Cameron, and Savannah area. Let us help you navigate the world of braces starting today!