New to Braces? Your First Week Survival Guide

As you prepare to begin orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces, you may be excited about the results that are to come. However, before you can begin celebrating, you must begin the process, which means surviving the first week with your new appliances. To better prepare you for what lies ahead, here are some helpful tips to make starting treatment easier and more comfortable.

Tip #1: Consider What to Eat

There are certain foods you’ll need to avoid when wearing braces. These include anything hard, crunchy sticky, or chewy (i.e., popcorn, bagels, ice, corn on the cob, candy, caramel, etc.). However, you may struggle to eat much of anything the first week, especially if you must place additional pressure on your teeth when biting down.

To avoid further discomfort, consider enjoying these foods:

• Soup
• Oatmeal
• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Rice
• Cheese
• Pudding
• Smoothies
• Applesauce

Opting for softer foods not only takes the pressure off your sore teeth but also prevents accidental damage. Biting down on foods that are not recommended during treatment can cause a broken bracket or loose wire.

Tip #2: Take Care of Your Mouth

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout orthodontic treatment is essential. To do this, though, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the appropriate instruments. These can include a water irrigator (i.e., Waterpik) and an interproximal brush to help get between brackets and underneath wires.

You’ll need to brush your teeth in the morning and evening as well as after every meal and snack. This reduces bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for cleaning surfaces of teeth as well as around the gumline.

Flossing is equally important, but you may need help with the process. Floss threaders can be useful when first learning how to maneuver around your teeth, or you can purchase a water irrigator that pushes out water and removes bacteria and food debris between teeth.

Tip #3: Manage Discomfort

Soreness is likely during the first week of orthodontic treatment, so it’s best to make sure you stock up on pain medications, ice packs, and dental wax beforehand.

Taking OTC pain relievers can help alleviate much of the discomfort you experience in addition to using a cold compress to help numb some of the pain. Dental wax can be a lifesaver should you notice irritation to your soft oral tissues because of protruding brackets rubbing against your cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums.

It’s also helpful to rinse with salt water a few times a day, as it reduces inflammation and discomfort.

Getting through the first week of wearing braces is often the hardest, but once you do, you’ll soon discover how easy it can be to take care of your new smile.

About the Author
Dr. Patricia Simon is an orthodontist in Dallas who earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. After finishing her Orthodontic Residency at Boston University, she completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Dentofacial Abnormalities at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of orthodontics, she leads the team at Lakewood Orthodontics, PA. If you are interested in metal braces but want to know more about the process, visit our website or call (214) 826-9000.