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Life With Braces

Is Easier Than You Might Think

So now you have braces! What next? Don’t worry, we are here to answer questions and assist in any way we can. For a few days after you get your braces, your gums and lips will likely be irritated and a little sore. There are a few things you can do to help at this point:

A salt water rinse created with a quarter teaspoon of table salt mixed into a cup of warm water and swished inside the mouth and then spit out 4-6 times a day can work wonders to sooth irritated tissue and inflammation.
Baby yourself from the start by covering any brackets with wax that seem to rub against the inside of your mouth or lips. We provide wax in your home care kit and it is also available in the dental care isle of drugstores. A piece of wax stuck on the offending bracket will work wonders, especially if you do it early.
Your regular pain relief medication in a dose that you would normally take for a headache, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help with the soreness that you might experience in the first couple days.
Soft foods in the beginning can make your life easier. Pasta, mashed potatoes, smoothies and soups can be more comfortable to eat when you’re getting started. Your teeth are tender, and you’re not used to having braces. (See more about food below in our food lists!)

Helpful Tips

Hygiene With Braces

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Electric and sonic toothbrushes are also acceptable.
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
If you have eaten away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
Rinse with water to dislodge food from your braces and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
Have a check up with your dentist every 6 months.

Foods You Can Eat With Braces

Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, mufﬁns without nuts
Fruits — applesauce, bananas, sliced fruit, most berries (but watch out for seeds)
Meats — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum (sugar-free gum is okay)
Foods you have to bite into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies

Hygiene Rewards Program

We Can Help With Hygiene

With the Hygiene Rewards Program, you receive one-on-one instruction and clear advice on how to improve your oral health while in active orthodontic treatment. As well, we will assess your oral hygiene and provide a score at every appointment. To download the rewards program PDF explaining more, you can click here.

To download a certificate to take with you to your next dentist check-up/cleaning appointment, click on the picture below. We look forward to supporting you and your new smile!