Your Guide to Life with Braces
Congratulations on starting your journey to a sensational smile! Now that you have your braces, it’s important to know how to care for them properly. Taking great care of your braces not only protects your investment but can also help your treatment progress smoothly and efficiently. At Stork Orthodontics, we’re here to provide all the West Des Moines braces care tips you need.
Eating with Braces
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods. However, for a little while, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat to avoid damaging your new braces. Protecting your brackets and wires is key to keeping your treatment on track.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can bend wires, break brackets, or get stuck in your braces, which can be uncomfortable and may require an extra visit to our office. Try to steer clear of foods that are:
- Chewy: Bagels, licorice, and tough breads
- Crunchy: Popcorn, hard taco shells, and ice
- Sticky: Caramel, taffy, and chewing gum
- Hard: Nuts, hard candies, and beef jerky
- Foods you bite into directly: Whole apples, corn on the cob, and carrots (try cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces instead!)
Braces-Friendly Foods
Don’t worry, there are still plenty of delicious options! Focus on softer foods that are easy to chew. Here are some great choices:
- Dairy: Soft cheeses, yogurt, and pudding
- Breads: Pancakes, muffins, and soft tortillas
- Grains: Pasta, noodles, and soft-cooked rice
- Proteins: Meatballs, soft-cooked chicken, and seafood
- Fruits & Veggies: Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, bananas, and applesauce
- Treats: Ice cream, milkshakes, and soft cake
Managing Discomfort
It’s completely normal to feel some tenderness or soreness after getting your braces and following your adjustment appointments. This is a sign that your teeth are gently moving into their new positions.Your mouth, lips, and cheeks need a little time to get used to the new hardware. If you experience soreness, you can rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water) to soothe any irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also provide relief if needed. Some families prefer to use oils or other natural remedies. We are happy to provide orthodontic wax to cover any part of your braces that is causing irritation.
You may also notice your teeth feel slightly loose. This is a normal and necessary part of the process, as your teeth must loosen before they can move. Once they are in their final positions, they will become stable again.
Loose Wires and Bands
Occasionally, a wire or band on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact our West Des Moines office as soon as you can so we can schedule a repair. If a piece comes off entirely, save it and bring it with you to your appointment.
For a temporary fix, you can use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push a poking wire back into place. Placing a small piece of orthodontic wax over the loose wire can also prevent it from irritating your cheeks or lips.
Caring for Your Braces
Properly caring for your braces is crucial for the success of your treatment. Damaged appliances can lead to delays, so it’s important to follow all instructions from Dr. Stork. This includes wearing any prescribed rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances as directed. Your commitment plays a huge role in achieving your new smile on schedule.
Playing Sports and Music with Braces
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. You can continue to enjoy your favorite activities with just a few precautions.
Sports Safety Tips
If you play sports, wearing a protective mouthguard is essential. A mouthguard shields your teeth and braces from impact, preventing injuries to your mouth and damage to your orthodontic appliances. We can recommend orthodontic tips for athletes and help you find a mouthguard that fits comfortably over your braces.
Playing Instruments with Braces
Musicians can also continue playing wind or brass instruments. It may feel a bit different at first, but with a short adjustment period, you’ll be back to playing as usual. Many of our patients find they adapt very quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soreness is typically most noticeable for the first few days after your braces are placed or adjusted. The discomfort is usually mild and should fade within a week as your mouth adapts.
If a bracket breaks or comes loose, please call our office to let us know. We will determine if you need an immediate appointment or if it can wait until your next scheduled visit. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, you can cover it with wax to prevent irritation.
It's best to avoid chewing gum, as it can stick to your brackets and wires and be very difficult to remove. Sticky foods are one of the main causes of damage to orthodontic appliances.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is more important than ever. We will show you the best techniques for brushing and flossing around your braces. Using tools like a floss threader or a water flosser can help you clean effectively and keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Have Questions About Your Braces?
Our team is always here to help you navigate life with braces. If you experience any issues or have questions about your care, don’t hesitate to contact our West Des Moines office.
