Adjusting to New Braces: Week One Survival Guide

Getting new braces is an exciting experience and the first step toward a more beautiful smile. By getting prepared for braces, you can make your experience as easy as possible.

Before your appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Afterward, you should follow your orthodontist’s instructions on what to eat and pain management.

How to Prepare for Your New Braces Appointment

There are a few things you can do to get ready for your first day with braces. Other than brushing your teeth beforehand, stockpile your fridge for soft foods you can eat afterward.

What to Eat with Braces for the First Week

After you get new braces, you may want to adjust your diet. For instance, shakes, smoothies, and other soft foods will often be more comfortable to eat during your first week with braces.

Mashed Potatoes

Braces, when you first get them, can be uncomfortable, so stock up on mashed potatoes if you like them.

Applesauce

Applesauce and similar fruit sauces are other easy options. If you don’t have any, you can always use a blender to liquefy whatever fruit you have available.

Cold Drinks

Cold beverages may also help to numb your mouth. Smoothies, milkshakes, and slushies are all great ideas.

Desserts

If you like pudding or jello, this is your chance to indulge your sweet tooth. Just make sure you brush your teeth well after sweet snacks.

Soup

For a savory dish, try one of your favorite soups. Most soups are made with soft ingredients, so they are easy to eat during your first days with braces.

What Not to Eat With New Braces

When you first get your braces, you should avoid any foods that could irritate your teeth and gums. For instance, you should avoid crunchy, chewy or hard foods.  Additionally, never eat anything you bite into, like corn on the cob or whole apples, when you have braces.  Apples and carrot sticks should be sliced up.  Meat should be removed from the bone and corn on the cob should be sliced off before eating. Never bite straight into hard foods like granola bars.  Instead, break a bite off and then enjoy.

How to Ease the Pain of New Braces

To keep your teeth healthy and comfortable, there are a few things you can do to ease pain during your first week with braces. Most pain and discomfort will go away after four days, although it can last for up to a week for some people.

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen

Other than reducing soreness and inflammation after your appointment, you can also preemptively take over the counter pain medicine before you get new braces to stop discomfort from occurring.

Saltwater Rinses

Saltwater rinses can reduce irritation. You just have to swish a saltwater rinse made out of a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water for 30 seconds. This process can be repeated up to five times a day.

Orthodontic Wax

If your mouth feels irritated, you can apply orthodontic wax to the problem areas. This will help to soften the wires or brackets, so they will irritate your mouth less.

How to Properly Care for Your New Braces

When you get your first braces, you’ll need to learn how to take care of them properly.

Brushing

When you brush your teeth, you will need to brush above and below each wire to remove all of the plaque. You should spend about 10 seconds brushing each tooth in a circular motion.

Flossing

You should floss your teeth once a day with a floss threader or a similar flossing product. After you are done brushing and flossing, you should rinse your mouth and check your teeth for any remaining debris.

Diet

When you have new braces, you need to avoid chewy, sticky, or hard food. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods you should watch out for.

Adjusting to Your New Braces Can Be a Smooth Process

After a few days, your new braces will start to feel more comfortable. If you have questions about your first braces or want to schedule an appointment, get in touch with Dr. Pratt Manning today!