For those who are getting braces for the first time, it can be initially difficult learning how to deal with them when eating, brushing, and flossing. Over time these tasks will get easier and easier, but in the meantime, check out these braces hacks to make your life easier. By making these simple yet helpful changes, you will adjust to your braces faster, feeling good about the progress being made.
Take Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever
When braces are first placed on your teeth, they can often be slightly painful to get used to. More often than not the teeth and gums will feel sore when first adjusted. This pain may be increased by other orthodontic procedures such as rubber bands and headgear.
Rather than dealing with this initial pain, take a simple over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil. Take one of these before each scheduled orthodontic visit as well. This will help make the experience more comfortable.
Be Aware Of What You Eat
Some of the foods we love best are ones that should be avoided when wearing braces. Stay away from gum, popcorn, caramel, and other foods that resemble these textures. After you first get braces, it will be helpful to stick with soft foods such as puddings and smoothies. This will take away some of the strain on your teeth helping you to feel better faster. There are also some drinks that should be avoided when wearing braces. Staying away from sugary, sticky, and highly pigmented food and drink will help shorten your time with braces.
Use The Wax
At your next orthodontic appointment, ask Dr. McDonough for wax to better protect your gums from wires. At each appointment your wiring will be checked and adjusted, but your wires may come loose before your next visit to the orthodontists. Wires are more likely to move out of place if you eat sticky or hard foods. Placing the wax on uncontrolled wires will help reduce the damage it can do to the inside of your mouth, holding it over until you are able to make an appointment to get this fixed.
Wear A Mouthguard
Whenever you are engaging in a contact sport while wearing braces, it is important to wear a mouthguard. This will protect both your teeth and braces from damage. Subjecting your orthodontic work to these hazards can seriously damage your teeth, lengthening the time needed for treatment.
Braces can be made easier through a few key changes. By taking advantage of these four braces hacks, you will have a more positive experience with your braces, and be able to enjoy the progress being made.