What to expect during your first week of braces
When you first get your braces on, there are always a ton of questions. Here are a few simple steps to follow to make your first week of braces goes smoothly.
How to Prepare
The best thing you can do for yourself, or your child is to have a few items on hand before you go into the appointment. First, you will want to make sure you have soft foods like hearty soups, pastas and ingredients for nutritious protein shakes or smoothies. Another item you will want to make sure you have is Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. Soreness can kick in quickly, so if you have it readily available on hand, it’ll help ease the pain from the start. Another tip is to try and focus on soft, brace-friendly foods to best avoid broken brackets and appliances.
Foods to Eat
When it comes to stocking up on orthodontic-friendly foods, SOFT is the #1 thing to remember. Here are some great ideas:
- Oatmeal
- Veggies cooked until they are soft
- Soft fruits
- Pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac and Cheese
- Soup
- Scrambled Eggs
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Pasta (short noodles are easier than long one)
- Protein shakes
- Soft breads (no crusts)
- Flour Tortillas
Foods to Avoid
It’s crucial to remember to avoid anything that is difficult to chew. This can cause damage to your appliances or discomfort after braces are put on or tightened. You will want to avoid damaging or breaking your appliances and brackets because it can result in extended treatment times. Here is a list of foods to avoid throughout your treatment:
- Nuts
- Beef jerky
- Hard, chewy, or sticky candy
- Granola
- Bagels
- Popcorn
- Uncooked, hard vegetables and fruits
- Chips
- Tough meats
- Ice (in your drink is fine, but don’t chew it!)
Pain Management
It is very common to have some tenderness or soreness after braces are put on or tightened. For the most part, it takes a few days to get used to the new pressure on your teeth. Usually, your preferred over the counter pain reliever will help. Sometimes our patients have a hard time adjusting to braces in the beginning because the brackets and wires may rub on their cheeks or gums. To help your mouth adjust to the new appliances, you can use the orthodontic wax that is provided for you at your appointment. The wax will create a barrier between the braces and the insides of your cheek to help with the pain.
Discomfort is Only Temporary!
The best news we can give you is that any pain or discomfort experienced after getting braces on or tightened is just temporary and should only last a few days. If your pain starts becoming excessive or you are experiencing loose wires or broken brackets, be sure to get in contact with us as soon as possible. After a couple days and you are more adjusted to your braces, you can move from soft foods are start eating most of your favorites! Don’t forget that it is always best to avoid any food that may damage or break your orthodontic appliances.
Welcome to the exciting journey to your new smile!