Life with Braces
Life with Braces in Edmonton and Barrhead, AB
We’re so excited that you finally have your braces—we know you are too! But you might be wondering, “How should I take care of my braces?” It’s easy; just follow our instructions and your braces experience will be smooth sailing!
Eating with Braces
While it’s true that you’ll need to avoid a variety of food items, there is still plenty of food you can feel free to enjoy.
Keep in mind that biting into food that is too hard can shear off a bracket, and sticky food can dislodge your wires.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Taking Care of Your Braces at Home
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing after all meals and flossing at least once per day. Brushing and flossing around brackets and wires may seem intimidating, but it’s really easy once you get the hang of it. We’ll show you how!
- Use a mouthguard when playing sports. Let Dr. Pereira know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
- Come to all your regular appointments at our Edmonton or Barrhead orthodontic office. These appointments allow Dr. Pereira to monitor your tooth movement, replace your wires to coincide with your treatment plan, and make any adjustments necessary to ensure your treatment stays on time.
- Visit your dentist for cleanings every six months. Cavities can delay your orthodontic treatment, so it’s best to avoid getting them in the first place.
What Should I Do If I…
Have soreness from my braces or appliance?
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever.
It is also common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
Feel like my teeth are loose?
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
Have a loose wire or band?
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Get injured?
In case of any kind of facial trauma, be sure to check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Your orthodontic treatment won’t last forever, but the results you achieve will! We’re here for you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out to ask any questions you have. We want your orthodontic experience—and your smile—to be the best it can be!
