If you’ve just received braces to correct your crooked teeth, you’re probably still not used to all the new equipment filling out your mouth. Nonetheless, a beautiful smile is on the horizon, but that first week is definitely going to be a challenge! Luckily, there are many simple and practical things you can do to help make this process a little more comfortable and easier on you. Here are five tips from your orthodontist in Queens to help you survive your first week with braces.
1. Be Prepared
Once you’ve received your braces, you shouldn’t leave your orthodontist’s office until you’ve talked about three important things:
- Wire ends – Be sure that there aren’t any wires extending into areas that might poke your cheeks or tongue.
- Next steps – Ask questions and have a good understanding about what you’re supposed to do before your next appointment.
- Supplies – Check that you have plenty of dental wax, cleaning aids, elastic bands, or anything else you might need.
2. Watch What You Eat
You don’t have to wait to eat once you leave the office, but it’s recommended that you stick to softer foods for those first few days. Things like pasta, seedless bread, soft vegetables, pudding, yogurt, and soup are all excellent options.
You should also avoid certain hard or crunchy foods that could potentially harm your teeth or braces. Popcorn, hard bread and pretzels, ice cubes and more are all potentially hazardous. Also try to refrain from sticky and sugary sweets and drinks, as they can lead to tooth decay, staining, and even gum disease.
3. Dental Wax Is Helpful
The brackets in your mouth are designed to be gentle, but they can still sometimes irritate the skin inside of your mouth by rubbing against it. Dental wax can provide comfort for these sore spots until your skin naturally toughens and adjusts to the brackets over time.
4. Rinse Your Mouth
For significant irritation, you can rinse your mouth with a solution of warm salt water for about 30 seconds. Doing this a few times a day can greatly help to relieve pain and help your mouth sores to heal faster.
5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The best thing you can do throughout your first week of braces, and beyond, is take good care of your mouth. Brush your teeth after every meal and carefully clear out any food particles that might be stuck in your brackets or wires. This debris can lead to oral health problems that will derail your treatment process. Braces do not exempt you from good oral hygiene; stay diligent!
Having braces is a different experience for everyone, but that first week can certainly be tough for most. Following these tips can help to ensure that your first week goes smoothly and sets you up for a successful journey towards a straighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Isaak Yelizar has proudly served patients and families in the Queens area for several years. Dr. Yelizar received his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry with the highest honors and is also a Board-Certified Orthodontist of the American Board of Orthodontics. His practice offers many available orthodontic services including traditional braces, Invisalign, and more. To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (929) 229-1009.