So it’s your first week with braces? What an exciting time! Whether you chose BRIUS invisible braces, clear or metal self-ligating braces, or Invisalign clear aligners for you or your child, life with braces is an inevitable adjustment.
Keeping your braces clean, choosing braces-friendly foods, and knowing what to do in the event of a braces emergency – it may sound overwhelming when you first get started. We promise it’s not too complicated. You’ll get the hang of it quickly, and the process is incredibly rewarding!
You’ll be used to your braces before you know it. We’re here to help you prepare with a few tips for new braces wearers.
Tip #1: Stock up on your favorite soft foods!
Soft foods will be your comfort foods during your first week with braces. Your teeth and gums may be a bit tender, so soft snacks and dishes can be easier to eat.
Stock up on your favorite soft foods, like mashed potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese, soft-cooked chicken, soup, soft sandwiches, pancakes, yogurt, toast, pasta, eggs and ice cream!
Biting into hard food can leave your teeth feeling sore, so it helps to prepare your fridge ahead of time. You’ll get to determine what to eat with braces the first week, depending on your own personal experience.
If you’re ready to move back into harder (braces-friendly) foods after a few days of having braces, then that’s great! You decide when you’re ready to reintroduce all of the braces-friendly foods in your fridge.
Throughout your braces treatment, it’s best to avoid hard candies, nuts, and other hard, crunchy foods that could damage your braces. One of the best tips for new braces wearers is to get creative with your palate! Try out some new braces-friendly recipes – you never know which one could become your new favorite.
Tip #2: Keep orthodontic wax on deck.
You’ll thank yourself later! Ortho wax, also called dental wax, can come in handy in a few ways during your braces treatment.
At some point, a bracket may pop off or a wire may pop loose – it happens! If it does, Just place a small ball of orthodontic wax on the bothersome bracket or wire, and make an appointment to see Dr. Matsumoto!
Ortho wax serves as a temporary solution for a number of different ‘emergency’ braces scenarios, so it’s smart to keep some in your bag or pocket when you’re out and about.
Tip #3: Keep Tylenol – just in case.
While everyone’s experience with braces is different, it’s common to feel some tenderness around your gums and teeth during the first week with braces. Your teeth aren’t used to the pressure of your brackets and wires, so it can be odd to suddenly have braces on your teeth 24/7.
The good news is – you can take precautions to help minimize soreness if you experience braces pain on the first day, second day, or third!
Consider getting an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce soreness. Studies have shown that ibuprofen and aspirin can slow down tooth movement, so it’s best to choose a medication with acetaminophen – like Tylenol.
Orajel is another solution to help relieve discomfort, if necessary. Orajel is a topical gel medication that uses benzocaine, a local anesthetic, to numb the gums. It works by blocking nerve signals in the body and can desensitize the mouth to help with soreness.
Tip #4: Use your resources!
There are tons of resources out there to help you adapt to your new life with braces.
Don’t be afraid to use your resources:
- Do some research about the type of braces you choose!
- Read through some forums to hear about other people’s experiences.
- Check out our Life with Braces page and Orthodontic FAQs for answers to frequently asked questions about braces.
- Ask your friends or family members who’ve had braces!
Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions either. Our team is here for you, and we love chatting about your experience! We’ve got tips, tricks and advice to support you through your journey with braces or Invisalign for kids, teens, or adults.
If you haven’t begun your journey, but you’re ready to take the first step – request your complimentary consultation with Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics at Porters Neck in Wilmington, NC today.
