Braces are important for correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues, and improving overall oral health. Mild soreness is common in the first few days after getting braces, but it will decrease as your mouth adjusts. Special brushes are used to clean around wires and brackets. The first few days may be difficult but gradually the braces align your teeth and increase your confidence. This blog provides tips for new braces wearers.

The first week with braces: How to adapt quickly?

New braces wearers may feel sore and experience tightness as their teeth start adjusting to the pressure of the braces. This is completely normal and usually subsides after a few days. Brackets can cause irritation in your mouth as they rub against the mouth skin. It will take some time to get adjusted, but till then you can use orthodontic wax to prevent mouth irritation.

For the first few days, your teeth will be sensitive so sticking to soft foods and cool drinks is the best choice. Consider food items like smoothies, soup, yogurt, ice cream etc.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Braces Wearers

Food particles get trapped in braces after food consumption, increasing the chance of plaque build-up. Braces care tips include using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush after each meal. Your doctor may also recommend an interdental brush as a regular brush can’t reach all areas. This brush can clean around brackets and wires, removing trapped food.

Flossing with braces can be difficult but flossing with a floss threader or water flosser can help you remove debris between teeth and along the gumline. Use an alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and reduce bacteria buildup. Rinsing helps clean areas that brushing and flossing might miss.

Eating with braces: Foods to Eat & Avoid

One piece of the advice for adults getting braces is a change in eating habits. There will be a list of food items that you can have and cannot have. Your doctor will advise you to take soft foods to eat with braces such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, soft fruits, cooked or soft vegetables, desserts and pasta. At the same time you need to avoid food items like popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, hard candy, chewy candy, hard rolls, crunchy vegetables and fruits and chips.

It is essential to cut large food items into small pieces to protect your braces. This helps you reduce pressure and prevents braces and wires from being damaged.

Common Braces Problems & How to Fix Them

Loose brackets: A bracket can get loose at any time. You may have a tendency to use glue or similar things to put it back. Visit your orthodontist and repair it. Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky food to prevent damage to the loose bracket.

Poking wires: The archwire can break and poke into your gums, teeth, or cheeks. If this happens, try covering the sharp end of the wire with orthodontic wax to reduce discomfort. Avoid attempting to cut the wire yourself. The best option is to consult your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Mouth sores: Brackets and wires can sometimes irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing sores. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for healing. Apply orthodontic wax to any rough areas on your braces to prevent further irritation.

How to Keep your Braces Clean & Avoid Staining?

Certain foods and drinks can cause discoloration of both your teeth and braces (especially clear or ceramic braces). You may have the question ‘How to take care of braces?’ To prevent staining, avoid food items such as dark-colored sodas, tea and coffee, tomato-based sauces, soy sauce and curry, berries, etc to prevent staining.

Brushing immediately after consuming stained food can remove the stain from the teeth before they settle on your teeth and braces. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush the areas around your gums including brackets and wire.

Whitening toothpastes can remove stains but it is crucial to select one without bleaching agents. Bleach-based toothpaste can lead to uneven whitening as brackets cover parts of your teeth.

Lifestyle tips: Talking, playing sports & social confidence

At first, you may experience difficulty speaking after getting braces. This difficulty can be overcome by practicing speaking aloud, slowing down your speech and staying hydrated.

If you are a sportsperson, protecting your braces by using orthodontic mouth guards is important. They fit over braces and prevent injuries. You can use orthodontic wax for extra protection.

Wearing braces can cause difficulty but remember that you don’t have to wear them forever. There is no need to hide your smile while wearing braces. Smile confidently!

Braces aftercare: Retainers & maintaining your perfect smile

One piece of the advice for adults getting braces is to use a retainer after removing them. Retainers prevent the teeth from shifting to its old position. With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure its longevity and keep a long lasting smile.

Proper retainer care extends their lifespan and maintains good oral hygiene. Clean your retainers in lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush with mild soap or a retainer cleaner. Always keep your retainers safe when not in use to prevent damage or loss. Visit your orthodontist for replacement if necessary.

Tips for new braces wearers are discussed in this blog. Braces will help you correct your smile and align your teeth. The first few weeks may be difficult but gradually you will get used to it. Taking care of your oral hygiene is essential after having braces. Consuming soft foods and avoiding hard, sticky and crunchy foods is required to prevent them from being damaged. Using a retainer after braces keeps your teeth in their new place rather than going back to their original position.