October 5, 2024

Tips To Adjusting To Life With Braces 

Braces can be a lifesaver for straightening your teeth. However, when you first get them, adjusting can be a bit challenging. After all, attaching brackets and wires to your teeth must feel weird. On average, braces should be worn for anywhere between 18 months to three years. Therefore, it is important that you learn ways to adjust because you will be wearing them for a long time. 

Perhaps the hardest part about getting braces is making it through the first week. The initial week after dental treatment is always the toughest. But, as you adapt to this new lifestyle, everything gets easier. Fortunately, Braces in North Torrance, CA are more advanced and comfortable than before. 

Tips for adjusting to life with braces 

  • Eat soft food. 

This may sound like a bit of obvious advice, but eating soft food is important for the first week. When you get braces, your teeth will feel sore for a few days. You do not want to add to the pain by biting and munching hard food items. Eat food and beverages that will soothe the soreness, such as mashed potatoes, mashed peas, smoothies, milkshakes, oats, etc. Once you feel that the soreness is going away, you can start eating hard foods. 

  • Use wax to fight sores in your mouth. 

One way to relieve the soreness in your mouth is by applying braces wax. These can be found at your nearest pharmacy or your dentist’s office. Some dentists give it away for free at the end of the treatment. Brackets can rub on the inside of your mouth and cause irritation. Your skin will adjust to the braces over time, but you can use braces wax in the meantime. 

  • Brush often. 

Just because you have got braces, that does not mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene routine. Brushing is crucial and even more important when undergoing alignment treatment with braces. The possibility of food getting stuck in your teeth and mouth increases after braces. If not removed, these can lead to cavities. While undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is recommended to brush after every meal. 

  • Stop smoking. 

Smoking negatively affects several parts of your body, including your teeth and gums. Smoking can interfere with the treatment and make it harder for braces to do their job. If you are a smoker and do not plan on quitting, you will need to wear your braces for a much longer time. 

Following the above-mentioned tips can help you adjust to your new lifestyle. While making lifestyle changes can be hard, the end can be rewarding. 

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