Adjusting to Your New Braces

Are you a new patient at Kelly Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. 

As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

• The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look.
  

• Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!
  

• Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix.
  

Initially your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will no longer be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation.

Some teeth, usually the front, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches to alleviate the tenderness.

Eating Habits

Please do not eat hard foods including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots, corn on the cob and popcorn. These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also beware of nail biting and pen or pencil chewing habits, since these can damage your braces. Do not eat sticky foods like taffy, caramels, bubble gum or sticky candy of any sort.

Check your braces once a week for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so that we can arrange an appointment long enough to repair it.

For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give our St. Charles office a call.