What Are Some Tips For Adjusting to Braces?

Stepping into the world of braces can feel like a big change, but it’s the start of an exciting journey toward a healthier smile. At Petrunic Orthodontics, Dr. Petrunic and our team are here to make the transition as smooth as possible. From adjusting to how your braces feel to learning new ways to care for them, it’s all part of the process. Let’s dive into some helpful tips to make adjusting to your new braces easier.

Soft Foods Are Your Friend

When you first get your braces, your mouth might need a little time to adjust to the new sensation. One of the easiest ways to ease into this change is by sticking to soft foods that are gentle on your teeth and braces. Dr. Petrunic at Petrunic Orthodontics recommends trying these braces-friendly foods:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies
  • Soup
  • Scrambled eggs

These options are not only easy to eat but also give your mouth a break while you adjust. In the beginning, it’s best to avoid hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy, which can damage your braces.

Next, let’s talk about using orthodontic wax to keep your braces as comfortable as possible.

Use Orthodontic Wax for Comfort

You might notice some irritation on the inside of your cheeks or lips during the first few days with braces as your mouth gets used to the new brackets and wires. Orthodontic wax is a simple yet effective way to add some comfort to your braces experience. Here’s how it helps:

  • Apply Wax to Irritating Spots: If a particular bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheeks, break off a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and place it on the area that’s causing irritation.
  • Smooths Out Rough Edges: The wax acts as a buffer between your braces and the soft tissues of your mouth, helping you feel more comfortable.
  • Keep It Handy: Carry orthodontic wax with you, especially when you’re out and about, so you can apply it whenever needed.

Using wax can make a big difference in your comfort, especially in the early stages. Now, let’s move on to maintaining great oral hygiene with braces.

What Are Some Tips For Adjusting to Braces?

Keep Up With Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more crucial when you have braces. At Petrunic Orthodontics, Dr. Petrunic reminds all patients that keeping your teeth and braces clean will not only protect your smile but also help your treatment stay on track.

Brushing After Every Meal

It’s common for food to get stuck in your braces, so brushing after every meal is essential to avoid plaque buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it to clean around the brackets and wires. Spend a little extra time to ensure that no food particles are left behind.

Flossing With Braces

Flossing can be trickier with braces, but tools like floss threaders or water flossers make it easier to get between your teeth and around the wires. Don’t skip this step—keeping the areas between your teeth clean is crucial for maintaining healthy gums.

Rinsing With Mouthwash

Adding a fluoride mouthwash to your routine provides an extra layer of protection. Rinse once a day to help strengthen your enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

By sticking to these habits, you’ll keep your teeth and braces in great condition. Next, let’s discuss how to handle any soreness you might experience with your new braces.

Managing Soreness

It’s completely normal to feel a bit of soreness after getting your braces or following an adjustment. Your teeth are beginning to shift, which can cause some temporary sensitivity. At Petrunic Orthodontics, Dr. Petrunic suggests a few simple ways to manage this soreness while your mouth adjusts:

  1. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheeks can help reduce any soreness and provide some soothing relief.
  2. Stick to Soft Foods: Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, or yogurt during this time will be easier on your teeth and help you avoid putting extra pressure on your braces.
  3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to help manage any lingering soreness, especially after adjustments.

Remember, soreness is temporary and part of the process as your teeth begin to move. Now that we’ve covered managing soreness let’s look at how practicing speaking can help you adjust to your braces even faster.

Practice Speaking

When you first get braces, you might notice that speaking feels a little different. It’s completely normal to need some time to adjust to how your mouth feels, especially with the brackets and wires in place. Dr. Petrunic at Petrunic Orthodontics recommends practicing speaking out loud to speed up the adjustment process.

  • Read Aloud: Grab a book, magazine, or even an article online and read it aloud for a few minutes each day. This will help you get used to how your braces feel as you talk.
  • Talk to Yourself: Don’t be shy! Talking to yourself (or even to a pet) at home is a great way to practice and get more comfortable with your braces.
  • Focus on Pronunciation: Some words may feel a bit tricky at first. Practice enunciating those words slowly and clearly, and you’ll notice your speech becoming smoother over time.

With a little practice, speaking with braces will soon feel completely natural. As you get more comfortable, your speech will become smoother and easier. Adjusting to braces takes time, but these small steps will make a big difference!

What Are Some Tips For Adjusting to Braces?

Brace Yourself for Success

Adjusting to braces may take a little time, but with the right tips and a positive mindset, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, confident smile in no time. At Petrunic Orthodontics, Dr. Petrunic and the team are here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation at our Prattville office today, and let us help you brace for success!