Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? It’s important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
With your braces now in place, how do you take care of them? Knowing the right way to care for your braces is essential throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Don’t worry, you’ll be back to enjoying popcorn and chips before you know it! In the meantime, it’s important to be mindful and steer clear of any foods that could potentially damage your braces.
When you first get your braces, it’s normal to experience some tenderness or discomfort. This sensation is temporary, and your mouth will adjust soon enough! To ease the discomfort, try rinsing with a mixture of one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle for a few minutes and avoid swallowing the saltwater.
If the soreness persists after rinsing, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. Additionally, your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel irritated for a week or two as they get accustomed to the braces. If needed, we can provide you with some wax to help reduce the irritation. Just let us know if you’d like some!
If you notice that your teeth feel slightly loose, there’s no need to be concerned; it’s a normal part of the process! Your braces initially loosen your teeth to shift them into their proper alignment. Once they are in the correct position, the looseness will resolve.
If the wires or bands on your braces become loose, please reach out to us immediately so we can inspect and fix your appliance. If any part of your braces detaches, keep it and bring it with you to your appointment.
In the meantime, you can use the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to gently reposition the loose wire. To alleviate any irritation to your lips or cheeks, apply some wax or a damp cotton ball over the exposed wire.
Neglecting to care for your appliances can prolong your treatment, so it’s important to maintain them properly. To ensure your teeth and jaw shift into the correct positions, consistently use all prescribed appliances, including rubber bands, headgear, retainers, or any other devices your doctor recommends.
You can continue participating in sports while receiving orthodontic treatment! To protect your teeth and braces, it’s advisable to wear a mouthguard. If you need assistance choosing the right mouthguard for optimal protection, let your doctor know.
If an injury occurs during sports, promptly inspect your mouth and braces for any damage. If you find loose teeth or damage to your appliance, contact our office as soon as possible. For temporary relief, apply wax or rinse with warm saltwater.
