Congratulations on starting your orthodontic journey! You’ve taken a major step toward a healthier bite and a beautiful smile.
What to Expect After Getting Braces
– Discomfort, pressure, or sensitivity when chewing, biting, or speaking is normal and usually lasts 2–3 days.
– Stick to a soft food diet during the first week: yogurt, porridge, mashed potatoes, minced meat, steamed fish, etc.
– Temporary speech issues may occur and typically resolve in 3–7 days (or up to 3–4 weeks with lingual braces).
Brackets Rubbing the Cheeks or Lips?
– Use orthodontic wax to cover the bracket. Dry it with a tissue or cotton before applying wax.
– Wax is temporary and will come off with eating or brushing — don’t worry if swallowed.
– Your body will adapt by forming a natural callus-like layer on the mucosa, reducing sensitivity.
If a Bracket Comes Off
– This can happen from eating hard foods, biting objects, or improper use of floss or brushes.
– Save the bracket and schedule an appointment — the system must remain intact to function correctly.
If a Wire Shifts and Pokes
– Apply orthodontic wax to the end of the wire.
– Contact your orthodontist for wire adjustment.
Spaces Between Teeth
– Gaps are normal and temporary during alignment. They will close by the end of treatment.
What to Eat and Avoid
– Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces; eat minced meat or soft patties.
– Avoid biting large or hard items to prevent bracket detachment.
– Safe sweets: marshmallows, pastila, chocolate.
– Avoid: gum, toffee, nougat, chips, nuts, sugary sodas (they damage enamel and raise caries risk).
Why Cavities May Develop During Treatment
– Poor hygiene leads to plaque buildup around brackets.
– Early signs: dull white spots near the gums — initial caries stage.
– If untreated, tooth tissue damage may follow.
Home Oral Care with Braces
– Use an Ortho toothbrush, SuperFloss, interdental brushes (change weekly), a single-tuft brush, and an oral irrigator.
– Electric brushes are fine — focus on the gumline.
– Use SuperFloss under the wire and between teeth daily.
– Carry your brush and floss with you. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse well after eating.
– After brushing, check your teeth with your tongue and a mirror — smooth and shiny = clean!
Professional Cleanings
– Visit your hygienist at least every 3 months for cleaning during treatment.
Your Orthodontist Visit
– Always come with clean teeth. If needed, bring your cleaning kit.
– Clean, shiny teeth and healthy, pink gums help teeth move more efficiently.
