What You Need to Know Before Getting Braces

Before getting braces, you can expect a few adjustments to your routine to minimize surprises. Dietary changes to avoid foods that could damage your braces are the biggest adjustment. You should also anticipate some initial soreness, which can be easily relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax. Good oral hygiene becomes even more important, including regular dental checkups. Treatment times vary, but the results include improved function and a healthier, straighter smile.

Getting braces is a significant investment of time and money that can yield impressive results, not only for your appearance but also for your oral health and overall quality of life. Knowing what to expect makes the adjustment to braces easier. At Southlands Orthodontics, we prepare both the individual wearing the braces and their family for these adjustments for a positive experience from the first day to the last.

The First Week: Getting Used to Your New Smile Gear

When braces are first put on, teeth and gums may feel sore. This is normal; it’s your mouth adjusting to the new shape. Soft foods, such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups, can be beneficial during this time. Some teens also find that wax (we’ll provide the right kind) can help ease irritation on the inside of their cheeks. Within a week, most people feel much more comfortable and confident.

What You Can (and Can’t) Eat with Braces

Braces come with a few food rules to prevent damage:

• Safe choices: Pasta, rice, bananas, cheese, scrambled eggs, and soft bread.
• Be cautious: Crunchy snacks like chips, apples, and carrots should be cut into smaller pieces.
• Skip these: Hard candy, sticky caramel, popcorn, and ice can break brackets or bend wires.

Choosing the right foods makes the process smoother and helps keep your braces in good shape.

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Braces provide food and plaque with extra hiding spots, so brushing takes longer. Keep these tips in mind for thorough oral hygiene:

• Brush after every meal if possible.
• Hold the toothbrush at different angles to reach above, below, and around the brackets.
• Floss daily using floss threaders or special orthodontic flossers.
• Rinse with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.

Good brushing habits not only protect teeth but also help avoid stains around brackets once your braces come off.

How Long Will Braces Take?

Treatment time varies depending on the type of correction needed. On average, braces stay on for 18 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others a little longer. Following our instructions, including wearing and changing rubber bands as directed, helps move things along as quickly as possible.

Life with Braces: School, Sports & Social Smiles

• At school: keep a small kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, wax, and floss picks for use after lunch.
• Sports: Always wear a mouthguard to protect your braces (and teeth) during games or practice.
• Social life: At first, you might feel self-conscious, but remember that many teens and adults wear braces, and they’re temporary. Smiling with confidence shows more than the metal on your teeth.

Why Braces Are Worth It

While the journey takes time and effort, the result is a healthier bite, straighter teeth, and a smile that lasts a lifetime. Braces also make it easier to clean teeth and reduce the risk of dental issues later on. By the end of treatment with braces, parents and teens agree that the results are well worth the effort.

To learn more about the capabilities of braces and how they can improve your oral health and transform your smile, contact us at Southlands Orthodontics Phone Number 720-453-2445 to schedule a consultation. We love creating new smiles!