Adjusting to Your New Braces
As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so our team has 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 smile alignment looks.
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.
Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave our office, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation. 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 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.
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 to repair it.
For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call at out Fairwood or Mercer Island Orthodontic Offices.
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