Life With Braces

The journey to a new and improved smile through wearing braces can be rough but the end result is all worth it once the braces come off. But how do you live your life with braces over that nearly two-year period? How much impact will braces have on your lifestyle? It’s understandable that you would have these concerns. That’s why Halabi Orthodontics is here to guide you during this time of change.

The Basics of Braces

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that are bonded to each tooth. Wires and bands connect to and anchor the brackets. Braces gradually shift your teeth into a proper position to fix dental issues such as crookedness, overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and spaces between teeth. You cannot remove braces like you can remove clear aligners such as Invisalign. However, braces work around the clock without the need to remember to wear them. That doesn’t mean life with braces is necessarily easy or convenient, but the more you know can help you be more comfortable and confident.

Beginning Braces Treatment

Perhaps you don’t believe you are responsible enough to keep up with Invisalign treatment. So, after consulting with your orthodontist, you choose to wear braces. A consultation with your dental care provider is always the first step. Upon making your decision, an impression of your teeth helps your orthodontist create a set of braces just for you.

You should prepare to feel some discomfort and pressure after the installation of your braces. Not only does your mouth have to adjust to having brackets, wires, and bands put inside it, the orthodontist tightens the braces just enough to start shifting your teeth into alignment. This is normal, but you can alleviate discomfort and pressure by taking over-the-counter pain medication.

Life With Braces

Now that you have your braces, life is going to be a little different as your teeth shift into proper alignment over the next 16 to 18 months. The quicker and easier you adjust to this change, the sooner the braces can come off depending on your overall progress. That being said, here are some tips to help you adjust to life with braces.

Cleaning Your Teeth And Your Braces

Having braces means that whenever you clean your teeth, you also clean your braces. Without braces, food particles already got stuck in your teeth from time to time, and plaque built up. With braces, you can expect food particles to get stuck around the brackets, wires, and bands. This puts you at an increased risk for cavities and other dental problems if you don’t thoroughly clean your teeth and the braces. That means brushing and flossing properly, and with the right tools.

  • Use a soft toothbrush with a small head to better navigate around the braces. Be sure to brush every nook and cranny where food particles can hide, including around the brackets, which you should brush gently to avoid damaging the hardware. After all, braces are pricey.
  • An electric toothbrush may also come in handy to make cleaning just a little quicker. Brush and floss after every meal if possible.
  • Thoroughly rinse out your mouth and use mouthwash with fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Keep up with regular dental checkups. Your dentist can give your teeth a special cleaning that includes cleaning your braces.
  • Stay away from whitening products. Brackets cover part of each tooth, which means those parts will not be as bright as the rest of your enamel and will be noticeable.

Managing Discomfort

Wearing braces can make your mouth feel uncomfortable, especially after your orthodontist tightens them to promote further shifting. While pain medication can work to alleviate discomfort, there are other non-medication options you can try.

  • Stir half a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth for around 30 seconds five or six times a day to relieve irritation and promote healing of any sore spots.
  • Suck on an ice cube. Ice decreases inflammation and numbs your mouth. Just make sure you don’t chew on it because ice can damage your teeth and your braces.
  • Eat ice cream and drink smoothies. Discomfort from wearing braces is the perfect excuse to eat cold sweets like ice cream. However, as with most things, moderation is best. And make sure to clean your teeth and braces afterward to remove harmful sugar particles.
  • Apply a special wax your orthodontist can provide to fight sores.

Foods To Avoid

Life with Braces
It’s unfortunate but necessary that you avoid certain foods or approach them differently throughout your treatment with braces.

  • Avoid candy such as Starburst, Skittles, gum, and taffy. These have to wait until after your braces come off because they can get stuck in or damage them.
  • Foods you have to bite into such as bagels, apples, and carrots should be cut into small pieces if you want to eat them.
  • Instead of corn on the cob, just eat corn that has been removed from the cob. Be aware that corn can stick in your teeth and in your braces, so take care when eating it. Popcorn is definitely a no-no.
  • Avoid hard candies and nuts.

You can pretty much eat anything else, especially soft foods such as pasta, most dairy products, poultry, seafood, and most veggies. Soft bread can stick in your teeth and braces so try slightly toasting it first to prevent this problem. If you are not sure about eating something, check with your dentist.

Wear A Mouthguard

Braces do not mean you have to quit playing sports. It just means you have to take extra precautions to protect your teeth. Always wear a mouthguard before stepping out on the field or court. Taking a hit to the mouth can cause serious damage to your teeth and your braces.

Contact Us

It’s hard, but you don’t have to feel self-conscious about wearing braces. You must stay motivated throughout treatment because the end result will be a great new smile. So, don’t be afraid to keep smiling while wearing your braces. A positive attitude will help you get through this time.

Halabi Orthodontics cares about you and your teeth. We are here to help you get the braces you need and to help you adjust to life with braces so you can live as normally as possible. Please call us at 518-676-5000 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today!