When you have braces, it is important to make sure that you properly care for them and the rest of your smile. The following information can help you make sure that you take good care of your braces.

Eating with Braces

Some kinds of foods can damage your braces, but don’t worry – you’ll be enjoying your favorites like popcorn and potato chips again soon! We recommend that you avoid the following foods while wearing braces:

  • Sticky foods like chewing gum or caramel candies
  • Crunchy foods like ice, popcorn, or chips
  • Chewy foods like licorice or bagels
  • Hard foods like nuts or hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into like carrots, apples, or corn on the cob

We suggest that you eat the following foods while wearing braces:

  • Grains like pasta or soft cooked rice
  • Breads like pancakes, soft tortillas, or muffins without nuts
  • Vegetables like steamed spinach, beans, or mashed potatoes
  • Fruits like bananas, fruit juice, or applesauce
  • Dairy like pudding, soft cheese, or milk-based drinks
  • Meats and poultry like meatballs, lunch meats, or soft-cooked chicken
  • Treats like milkshakes, Jell-O, ice cream without nuts, or soft cake

Soreness caused by Braces and Appliances

Unfortunately, you may experience some soreness and discomfort caused by your braces and other orthodontic appliances. This is especially noticeable when you first get your braces or right after your adjustment appointments. If you notice some soreness, don’t worry – this is normal and is only temporary. To relieve soreness, we suggest that you dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a few minutes (but do not swallow). If rinsing with warm saltwater does not ease your soreness, you may want to take a pain reliever like acetaminophen. It’s normal for your cheeks, tongue, and lips to be irritated when you first get your braces as well; we would be happy to provide some wax to put over the braces to lessen the tenderness.

Loose Teeth

It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little loose while wearing braces. The braces slightly loosen the teeth in order to move them. Once your teeth are properly aligned, they will not feel loose anymore.

Loose Wires & Bands

If your wires and bands come loose, please contact Dr. Lynnette Nyberg at Miller-Nyberg Orthodontics so we can check and repair your appliance. If any part of your braces comes off, be certain to save it and bring it with you for your appointment. When a wire comes loose, you can push it back into place by using the eraser end of a pencil or the back of a spoon. If the loose wire is causing irritation and discomfort, you can place wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire.

Take Care of Your Braces & Appliances

A damaged appliance can slow down your treatment and disrupt the proper alignment of your smile. Be sure to take care of your smile and your appliances, and wear your rubber bands, retainers, or other appliances as directed by your orthodontist.

Sports with Braces

You can still play all of your favorite sports while wearing braces. We recommend that you wear a mouth guard over your braces to protect both your appliances and your teeth during sports. If you are interested in playing sports while wearing braces, just ask Dr. Lynnette Nyberg about getting the proper type of mouth guard. If you experience a sports emergency, be certain to check your mouth for damage right away. If you have any loose teeth or if your appliance is damaged, we urge you to contact Miller-Nyberg Orthodontics as soon as possible. You can temporarily relieve discomfort by placing wax over a broken or loose appliance or rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

If you have any questions about life with braces in Dover, New Hampshire, or how to take care of your appliance, please feel free to contact us today at 603.749.2900. We are always happy to help.