Adjusting to Braces
Braces require a few modifications to adjust to them. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Foods to Eat
Eating a soft food diet is a great first step to easing into braces. Here are some food recommendations:
Mashed Potatoes: Easy to eat and gentle on your braces.
Soup: Warm and soothing, just make sure it’s not too hot.
Eggs: Scrambled or boiled, they are soft and nutritious.
Mac and Cheese: Comfort food that’s easy on your teeth.
Soft Breads: Opt for softer varieties that won’t harm your braces.
Small Bites of Protein-Rich Foods: Meats, beans, and vegetables cut into small pieces to make them easier to chew.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can damage your braces and prolong treatment. Avoid the following:
Hard Foods: Candies, nuts, and raw vegetables.
Chewy Foods: Gum and caramel can get stuck in your braces.
Crunchy Foods: Popcorn and chips can break wires and brackets.
Sticky Foods: Taffy and gummy bears are difficult to clean off your braces.
Foods on the Bone: Meats like ribs and chicken wings can dislodge brackets.
Caring and Cleaning for Your Braces
Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Follow these detailed instructions:
Brushing:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently brush the brackets and wires in small circular motions.
Brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you clean every tooth surface.
Use an interdental brush to clean between the brackets.
Flossing:
Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind the wire.
Gently floss between the teeth, moving the floss up and down.
Be careful not to snap the floss, as it can damage your braces.
Consider using a water flosser for easier and effective cleaning.
Additional Tips:
Use Dental Wax: Apply wax to any sharp parts of the braces, like hooks, to prevent them from jabbing into your gums and cheeks.
Avoid Ibuprofen: For pain management, avoid drugs like Advil or Motrin, as they can decrease tooth movement and increase the duration of discomfort. Opt for alternatives like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Stay Hydrated: Drink ice cold water to help manage discomfort holistically.
Regular Visits: Maintain your regular orthodontic visits for adjustments and monitoring.
Check for Debris: Look in the mirror to ensure you are free of any food debris left between, above, and below the brackets.
Wire Care: Ask your orthodontist to make sure the ends of the wires are clipped cleanly or tucked away.
At Porter Ranch Orthodontists, we provide detailed instructions, a home care kit, and ample time reviewing the care instructions to ensure you have all the support you need for a successful braces journey.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Visit us at Porter Ranch Orthodontists for personalized orthodontic care. We listen to our clients and provide the best possible treatment to give you the smile you deserve. Book your appointment today!
