Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile. But let’s be honest – the first week can be a bit of a challenge. Your teeth are adjusting, your mouth feels different, and even speaking or eating can feel awkward at first. However, with a little preparation and patience, you can make it through that first week with confidence and minimal discomfort. Here are 5 helpful tips to help you get through your first week with braces.
1. Expect Some Discomfort
It’s completely normal to feel some soreness or tenderness during the first few days after getting braces. Your teeth are beginning to shift, and your mouth is adjusting to the brackets and wires.
What helps:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your orthodontist.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that rub against your cheeks or lips.
- Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe irritated areas.
This discomfort usually subsides within a few days as your mouth adapts.
2. Choose Soft Foods
Eating with braces for the first time can be tricky. Your teeth will be sensitive, and certain foods may be too hard or chewy.
Best choices for the first week:
- Mashed potatoes.
- Yogurt.
- Smoothies.
- Scrambled eggs.
- Soup.
- Pasta.
- Applesauce.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like nuts, popcorn, gum, or caramel. Not only can they cause discomfort, but they can also damage your braces.
3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Braces can trap food particles more easily, which means it’s more important than ever to brush and floss thoroughly. During the first week, get into the habit of cleaning your teeth after every meal.
Tips for cleaning with braces:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush.
- Consider using an interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires.
- Try a water flosser or special orthodontic floss threaders to make flossing easier.
Keeping your teeth and braces clean will help prevent cavities, staining, and gum problems during treatment.
4. Be Patient with Speech and Appearance
Braces can affect your speech slightly at first. You might notice a minor lisp or have trouble pronouncing certain words. This is completely normal and temporary.
Also, it’s natural to feel a little self-conscious about your new look. Just remember, many people wear braces, and most are too focused on their own lives to notice yours. Before long, you’ll barely notice them yourself.
5. Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Your orthodontist may provide you with rubber bands, wax, or other accessories to aid your treatment. Be sure to follow their instructions closely. Staying on schedule with adjustments and checkups will help your treatment go smoothly.
The first week with braces can feel like a big adjustment, but it gets easier every day. With soft foods, good hygiene, and a little patience, you’ll quickly settle into your new routine. Remember, every bit of discomfort now is a step toward the beautiful, healthy smile you’re working toward.
About the Practice
If you’re interested in a solution to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health, Richardson Orthodontics has you covered. We have the only female board-certified orthodontist in Richardson to provide you with the best care possible, and our dental team has 16 years of experience in creating winning smiles. And to help you with costs, we accept dental insurance and have zero percent financing available as well. Schedule your appointment online or call us at (972) 238-7101.