Getting braces is a big change, and adjusting can take a little time. Dr. Upton and the Riverview Orthodontics team in our Tuscaloosa and Demopolis offices know the early days with braces can feel like a lot to handle. Whether it’s the soreness or figuring out a new routine, there are some practical steps to make things easier. We want to make sure you get comfortable with your braces right from day one.
Start with Soft Foods and Cold Drinks in the First Week
The first week with braces often brings some soreness as your teeth and gums adjust. Soft foods and cool drinks can help ease the discomfort, giving your mouth a bit of a break.
- Stick with soft foods: Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and applesauce—foods that don’t need much chewing, which helps with tenderness.
- Cool treats are a bonus: Cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, and popsicles can provide a nice numbing effect.
- Gentle drinks work best: Cold water or milk can help reduce any inflammation without irritating your mouth.
Choosing foods and drinks that are easy on your mouth can make meals more comfortable while you adjust to the new feeling of braces.
Orthodontic Wax is Your Go-To for Extra Comfort
Orthodontic wax is one of those essentials that can make a big difference, especially in the first days with braces. Before leaving Riverview Orthodontics in Demopolis or Tuscaloosa, Dr. Upton or a team member will give you a supply to take home.
Why Use Orthodontic Wax?
Orthodontic wax can help prevent irritation by providing a soft barrier between the brackets and your cheeks. If you feel any sharp edges or areas that are rubbing, simply place a small piece of wax on the bracket or wire that’s causing discomfort. Over time, your mouth will naturally adjust to the presence of your braces, but the wax can make the transition more comfortable.
How to Apply Orthodontic Wax
- Pinch a small piece of wax between your fingers and roll it into a small ball.
- Dry the area of the bracket or wire where you’ll apply the wax.
- Press the wax onto the area that’s causing discomfort, creating a protective cushion.
Using wax as needed can significantly improve the speed at which your mouth gets used to the new hardware.
Ease Pain with an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
While braces discomfort tends to be mild, it’s perfectly normal to experience some soreness, especially after adjustments. Here are some ways over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help manage this phase.
Benefits of Pain Relievers
- Immediate relief: Taking an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease soreness as your teeth adjust to the new alignment pressure.
- Use before appointments: For extra comfort, consider taking a pain reliever about 30 minutes before your initial appointment to help minimize any discomfort as soon as you leave the office.
- Safe to use sparingly: While it’s important not to overuse painkillers, using them occasionally for relief can help you focus on adjusting to your braces rather than the discomfort.
Rinse with Saltwater for Natural Relief
Saltwater is another helpful tool to relieve soreness and keep your mouth clean. Mixing a little salt with warm water creates a natural rinse that can soothe sensitive areas and speed up the adjustment process.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water.
- Swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on any sore spots.
- Repeat a few times daily for maximum relief.
This simple solution is an easy, natural way to care for your mouth in those early days of adjustment.
Practice Brushing and Flossing Techniques for Braces
Once you have braces, oral hygiene requires a little extra effort. Food particles can easily get stuck around brackets and wires, so maintaining a clean mouth is key to avoiding plaque buildup, which can lead to discoloration or tooth decay.
- Brush after every meal: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush around each bracket to clear away food particles.
- Consider a water flosser: This can help clean around your braces and between teeth, reaching spots that regular floss might miss.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: Foods like popcorn, caramel, and crunchy snacks can damage your brackets or get lodged in your wires.
By following these steps, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid additional trips to Riverview Orthodontics for repairs.
Need Tips for Adjusting to Braces? Riverview Orthodontics Has You Covered!
Adjusting to braces takes a bit of patience, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Dr. Upton and the team at Riverview Orthodontics in Tuscaloosa and Demopolis are here to support you. Contact us if you have any questions about your transition to braces.