Life With Braces: 4 Essential Tips From a Cedar Park Orthodontist

You’ve spent your whole life without braces, so it only makes sense that now you’re feeling a little apprehensive about getting started with this treatment. You probably have a lot of questions, like how much pain you’ll have, what you can and cannot eat, how to brush with braces, etc. Don’t panic. Your Cedar Park orthodontist is here to help. Here are some useful tips to help you adjust to life with braces.

Dealing With Initial Pain and Soreness

On the day you get your braces, you’re going to feel some pain. The process of putting on braces does not hurt. In fact, many of our patients feel relieved afterward because it was easier than they imagined.

The soreness you feel for the first few days is because of the pressure that braces exert on your teeth.

It is high during the initial period because your teeth and gums are not used to having this pressure. But in just a few days, you’ll feel the pain fade as your teeth and gums adjust.

To help with this discomfort, your orthodontist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, if appropriate. If the soreness is because of a bracket or wire rubbing against your cheek, simply put a piece of orthodontic wax on that part. This will help reduce the discomfort.

Eating With Braces

Here’s the part that many patients find tricky. Eating with braces becomes a bit challenging, especially in the first week. Start with soft, non-sticky foods and gradually return to your normal diet as your teeth become more comfortable.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to stick to foods like yogurt or applesauce for the whole treatment. But it’s best that you avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods as much as possible.

Our Cedar Park orthodontist will guide you on braces-friendly foods and the ones you should avoid.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Cleaning your teeth becomes even more important when you have braces. At the same time, it’s somewhat challenging, but you can ace it with daily practice.

Make sure to use a soft brush and hold it at a 45-degree angle. Brush in small circular motions.

Be very gentle because using too much force will hurt your gums. Clean your teeth and the area around your brackets and wires.

Flossing is a little more difficult because you’ll have to maneuver the floss around the wires and brackets. We suggest using tools like a floss threader and an interdental brush to make it easier. You can also consider a water flosser.

Handling Emergency Situations

Emergencies with braces are not so common, but they can happen. Problems like a loose bracket, wire poking your cheek or tongue, or direct injury to your teeth with braces are situations that need immediate care.

In any of these situations, reach out to our team and ask for an urgent appointment. We’ll also guide you on what steps to take while you’re on your way to our clinic.

Wrapping Up

Adjusting to life with braces is going to take some time. With these tips, you can have a smoother experience. Got more questions about braces? Book a consultation with our certified orthodontist and periodontist, Dr. Azi, to get all the answers you want. Contact our team at Smile in Style by calling (512) 333-4443.