Getting braces is the best way to correct any alignment problems within your mouth and boost your oral health. When you first begin treatment, be sure to keep in mind the changes you need to make to have a successful outcome. Read on to learn of the common lifestyle changes that accompany braces.

One of the major lifestyle changes that occur after you get braces is the need to adjust your food choices. Hard, chewy foods can damage your braces which can be costly to repair. It’s also best to avoid any foods that can get stuck in or around your brackets and lead to cavities. Things like popcorn can get stuck between your teeth, gums and braces, causing pain, bleeding and inflammation,  and the kernels may break your brackets if you chew them. Other foods to avoid are sugared chewing gum (sugarless gum is ok as long as you replace the piece when it gets hard and sticky), hard candies, and other similar foods. It’s important to avoid these foods in order to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible and that you maintain your oral health.

Your teeth go through a lot when you get braces, especially in the beginning, when your teeth are beginning to adjust to the treatment. Consequently, you may feel some sensitivity and discomfort within the first few days of treatment. To help cope with this, there are several things you can do: First, over-the-counter pain medication can be helpful to manage the pain. It’s also a good idea to stick with softer foods while the pain persists. Cold soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, and ice cream can particularly feel more comfortable in those first few days. The pain shouldn’t last longer than about a week. If it continues with the same intensity or gets worse after a couple of weeks, see your orthodontist as soon as possible to ensure that everything is okay.

While you’re going through braces treatment, it’s more important than ever to take care of your teeth. The appliances attached to your teeth make it more difficult to clean all the surface areas of your teeth and avoid cavities. Because of this, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and continue to floss daily. To brush your teeth with braces, brush thoroughly around each bracket and floss between them and behind the wire.  We also recommend using a water flosser or irrigation device, like a WaterPik, to help get to those hard to reach areas.  If you have trouble removing all the plaque and food from your teeth and braces, a powered toothbrush like the model we offer manufactured by Goby may be just what you need.  Ask about acquiring one for yourself at your next visit! 

Getting braces can transform your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. However, there are some adjustments you need to make when beginning treatment. To guarantee a smooth procedure, follow these tips and stay on top of your oral health.

McAllister Orthodontics wants every patient of theirs to have the best orthodontic experience possible. Click here to learn more about McAllister Orthodontics and see why other patients love it!