Getting braces on is an exciting day for all of our patients! Beginning your smile journey is a momentous occasion. However, under all the excitement, there are a few minor lifestyle adjustments you’ll have to make. It is important to remember that not only will your teeth be adjusting, but so will you! After all, you do suddenly have a mouth full of brackets and wires to get used to.
The first week with braces can be a little odd, but if you follow these tips and tricks, you will have a seamless transition.
Here Are Our Best Tips for Your First Week with Braces
How to prepare for your first braces appointment
Beginning your smile journey is something to look forward to! Leading up to your appointment, we encourage you to think of as many questions as you can. While we will do our best to prepare you, we want to make sure that you leave our office feeling comfortable and confident in your new braces. If you have any questions after you leave the office, rest assured that you can always contact our office or ask your questions through our virtual consultation portal.
How Long After Getting Braces Can You Eat Normal Foods?
It is important to choose soft foods the first few days after getting braces. Not only do we want to protect your new brackets while the dental cement sets, but your teeth may be a little sensitive as well. We recommend grocery shopping ahead of time and stocking your pantry with soft foods and cold foods to help ease any discomfort. Having readily available options to choose from while you adjust to your braces will make for an easier transition.
Here are some foods you can eat during your first week with braces:
- Yogurt
- Apple sauce
- Pudding
- Ice cream, milkshakes and smoothies
- Soft-cooked meat, like brisket or fish
- Mashed potatoes
- Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
- Soft crackers or cookies
- Cheese
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Seafood
- Cooked or soft vegetables
- Moist desserts
You have plenty of tasty options to eat with braces the first week! Although, there are a few foods you should avoid to prevent discomfort, broken brackets or loose wires:
- Popcorn or nuts
- Sticky and hard candy
- Gum
- Ice
- Corn chips
- Pretzels
- Hard cookies or crackers
Try to avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth. When possible, cut up these hard foods into smaller pieces:
- Raw vegetables
- Croutons
- Hard rolls/breads
- Thin crust pizza
- Chewy meats
- Burgers
- Sub sandwiches
- Corn on the cob
Know how to properly brush your teeth with braces
Braces can be tricky to clean, but with practice and the right tools, you can ensure a beautiful end result! It is important to brush as often as possible while undergoing braces treatment. If you do not take proper care of your braces, then you are at risk for decalcification (permanent white marks) on your teeth. Decalcification is a result of plaque buildup, but is 100% preventable! To maintain optimal oral hygiene, follow these quick tips on brushing with braces:
- Ask your orthodontists for their recommendation on the best toothbrush for your braces.
- Practice angling your toothbrush at different degrees to get the top and bottom of your brackets as well as your gums.
- Always floss! Invest in floss threaders and keep them handy with your floss.
- Keep a compact mirror with you to keep an eye on food build-up.
Build A Braces Survival Kit
Some of the best advice we can give our patients is to build a braces survival kit to keep on-hand at all times! A portable braces kit can help you to keep your teeth clean, to be prepared for minor emergencies, and to minimize any discomfort! Your kit can be small; it’s what’s inside that counts! Here is a list of our braces survival kit must-haves:
- Compact toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and a floss threader
- Orthodontic wax for a loose or pokey wire
- Mints
- A few over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol
- Lip balm
- Compact mirrorYou can keep your kit handy in your backpack, purse or car! Having all of these items available will ensure a smooth and comfortable braces experience.
Still Have Questions About Your First Week with Braces?
If you have any questions regarding your braces treatment or are ready to schedule your free consultation in Jupiter, we can’t wait to meet you! We are excited to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about orthodontic treatment.