You just received your new braces. The metal brackets and wires feel different against your lips, tongue, and cheeks. Everything feels exciting, but you quickly realize there’s a learning curve. The awkwardness, discomfort, and unexpected adjustments may have you asking, “What did I sign up for?” This experience is normal, but with four helpful tips, you can navigate your first week with braces like a pro.
Stock the Fridge
Ready for a trip to the grocery store? Make sure your refrigerator and pantry are stocked with braces-friendly foods and drinks. There’s a good chance you’ll have some minor discomfort and sensitivity during the first week, so stick to soft options that don’t require a lot of chewing. Soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies are ideal. Cooler beverages can also help temporarily numb your mouth, as soreness is likely.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Metal braces use brackets and wires that protrude from your teeth. What does this mean? They stick out and can rub against your cheeks, lips, and tongue. Over time, sores can develop, which never feel good. However, orthodontic wax can help relieve the irritation. Placing a small amount over each bracket creates a smoother barrier and lets your tissues heal. Use it as often as you need it. Eventually, your mouth will become used to your braces, and the problem will decrease over time.
Learn the Right Brushing and Flossing Techniques
There’s no denying that brushing and flossing with braces is one of the trickiest steps during the first week of treatment. It will feel awkward, and you may become frustrated, but once you learn these tips, you won’t have anymore trouble:
- Brush after eating (meals and snacks) for 2-3 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and tilt it to a 45-degree angle to clean along the top and bottom of your brackets. Don’t forget about the gumline.
- Floss daily using a floss threader or water irrigator to get between your teeth, all the way to your gums.
- Use an interproximal brush to get around your brackets if needed. These can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
Protect Your Braces
You won’t let anything keep you from an upcoming game, but now that you have braces, you need to safeguard your smile. This is where a custom mouthguard comes in. If you’re an athlete, a protective barrier will help you avoid breaking your appliances, soft tissue lacerations, and treatment delays. Instead of buying a bulky store option that doesn’t cover your braces well, let your orthodontist provide one customized to your smile.
Your smile is just starting its orthodontic journey. Don’t let first-week jitters cause you to think twice. With these tips and a little patience, you’ll adjust quickly and continue toward a confident, healthy smile.
About the Practice
Board-certified orthodontists are here and ready to deliver specialty treatment to children and adults seeking straighter smiles. At Treehouse Orthodontics, we have multiple locations, allowing us to provide the excellent care and service each patient needs. If you’re considering traditional braces to address an overcrowded, misaligned smile, visit our website or call one of our offices to schedule a consultation.