After Care for Braces

What to Expect After Getting Braces

After getting braces, it’s normal to feel some discomfort or pressure on your teeth as they begin to adjust to the brackets and wires. You may also experience some soreness in your gums and cheeks as your mouth gets used to the new appliance. These effects should subside after a few days. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your braces work effectively and to avoid complications. Here’s what you need to know.

How Long Should I Wait to Eat?

You can typically eat once the numbness wears off, but you should stick to soft foods for the first 2 to 4 days. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and scrambled eggs are ideal while your mouth adjusts to the braces. 

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What Foods Are Best To Avoid with Braces?

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the brackets and wires. Chewing on tough foods can lead to broken braces or bent wires, which could delay your treatment. It’s also a good idea to cut your food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier.

Can I Smoke While Wearing Braces?

Smoking is best avoided entirely when you have braces. Tobacco can stain the brackets and wires, leading to discoloration that is difficult to remove. Smoking can also slow down the healing process if you’ve had extractions and increase the risk of gum disease, which can interfere with your orthodontic treatment. 

Can I Drink Alcohol After Getting Braces?

There are no specific restrictions on drinking alcohol after getting braces, but it’s important to avoid sugary and acidic drinks that can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Alcohol can also irritate sensitive areas of your gums if you're still adjusting to the braces. Stick to water or non-acidic drinks for the first few days to keep your teeth and braces clean and protect your oral health.

What Pain Relief Options Are Available?

It’s common to experience discomfort after getting braces, especially as your teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate any discomfort or soreness in the first few days. You can also use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that are irritating your cheeks or gums. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth can reduce swelling and ease soreness.

How Should I Care for My Braces?

Caring for your braces is essential to ensuring your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly and without delays. Here are some tips:

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque from around the brackets and wires.
• Floss daily using a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to get between your teeth and under the wires.
• Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can break or bend the brackets and wires.
• Use orthodontic wax to protect the soft tissues in your mouth from irritation caused by the braces.

When Should I Call the Office?

If you experience severe pain, notice a broken bracket or wire, or feel that your braces are not fitting properly, contact our office immediately. It’s important to address these issues quickly to avoid delays in your treatment plan. Your orthodontist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your braces are working effectively.

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