If you’ve just received braces, a beautifully improved smile is in your future: congratulations! However, this process will take a little time—and the first week might seem to stretch on forever as you struggle to get used to the new brackets and wires filling your mouth. But you don’t need to worry; there are many things you can keep in mind to help make this process a little more comfortable and easier on you. Here are a few tips from your orthodontist in Parsippany to help you survive your first week with braces.
#1. Be Prepared for After Your Appointment
After receiving your braces, you shouldn’t leave the office until you’ve asked your orthodontist any questions you have about your braces. They can explain all instructions clearly and ensure that you know what to do moving forward. They can also check your wire ends before leaving—sometimes these wires can poke your tongue and cheeks! You should also ensure that you’re equipped with the necessary supplies before leaving; dental wax, elastic bands, and other related materials are all useful.
#2. Watch What You Eat
Even though it’s okay to eat immediately after leaving the office, it’s advised that you stick to softer foods for those first few days. Things like pasta, seedless bread, soft veggies, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc. are excellent options.
You should avoid certain hard and crunchy foods, as they can harm your braces. Avoid things like nuts, popcorn, hard bread and pretzels, hard candies, and ice cubes. Also refrain from sugary, sticky sweets and drinks that can adhere to your brackets; they can lead to tooth decay, staining, and gum disease!
#3. Use Dental Wax and Rinse with Saltwater
Even though brackets are designed to be gentle, they can still rub on the soft skin in your mouth and cause irritation. Dental wax can provide comfort for these sore spots until your skin toughens over time, so use it as needed.
For significant irritation, you should rinse your mouth out with a solution of warm saltwater for about 30 seconds. Do this a few times a day; the saltwater will relieve pain and help your mouth sores to heal faster.
#4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your braces can effectively straighten your teeth, but they won’t clean them; that falls on you! Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal, carefully clearing out any food particles that are stuck in your brackets or wires. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will ensure that your teeth don’t develop other problems during your braces journey. Stay disciplined; braces do not exempt you from practicing good habits!
Every person adapts to braces differently; it’s a pretty big change being made to your mouth, after all! But these tips will help to ensure that your discomfort is minimized, and the overall process is both smooth and successful.
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group is proud to offer a wide range of services to patients and families in the Parsippany community. The practice is led by Dr. Alan Rauchberg and his team, who take a down-to-earth approach with each patient that emphasizes comfort and high-quality treatment. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice online or by phone: (973) 334-3777.