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This is a collaborative post.
Getting braces from a specialist orthodontics London clinic can be a daunting experience. As well as getting used to how they feel you must also be prepared to put up with how they look. Although you will become accustomed to them over time, the first couple of weeks can be particularly difficult. Continue reading to find out how you can readjust to your new gnashers. Keep thinking about that these mean that you made an exciting step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
Here are some tips to help you navigate this transition with confidence and ease.
Prepare
Preparation is key to helping you feel comfortable with your new and improved set of teeth. Before you leave the orthodontist, you must ensure you are equipped with all of the necessary information to allow you to ease into life with braces. Learn more about the type of braces that you’re getting. For example, if you are getting invisible aligners, then learn more about them and the ways that you can clean and maintain them. Ask your dentist to check your braces are tight and secure with no wiring protruding into your cheeks. Whilst they are likely to feel uncomfortable at first, they should not be causing you pain. You must also ensure you are aware of any aftercare or daily steps that you must stick to before your next follow-up appointment. Finally, you must be stocked up with all of the relevant teeth cleaning supplies. This includes dental wax, rubber bands and interdental brushes.
Understand your braces
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the type of braces you’ve received. They are all different: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, knowing how they work and what to expect can make the adjustment period smoother. Each type has its own set of care instructions and potential concerns, so take some time to understand how yours will impact your daily routine.
Initial discomfort
It’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness when you first get your braces, as well as after adjustments. This discomfort usually lasts a few days but can be eased through various methods:
Over-the-counter pain relief: non-prescription medication for pain like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate soreness.
Soft foods: stick to softer foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies during the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate your teeth or damage your braces. You might even drop some weight, so watch out if you’d like to avoid that.
Cold compress: applying a cold compress to your cheeks can help reduce swelling and numb some of the discomfort.
Orthodontic wax: if your braces are rubbing against the inside of your mouth, using orthodontic wax can relieve irritation. Simply take a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and place it over the braces causing discomfort.
Adjust your diet
As your braces require you to readjust your diet, it may be worth implementing this ahead of time. By familiarising yourself with the foods you can and cannot eat, you are less likely to forget and make silly, costly mistakes. You may benefit from a diet consisting of only soft foods for a few days to help you come to terms with your braces. Food like pasta, bread, soup, and yoghurt are more likely to be gentle on your teeth and should cause the least amount of pain and discomfort. Fizzy drinks and coffee may also stain your teeth and wear away at the structural integrity of the metal brackets and wiring. Adjusting your diet before you get braces can streamline the teeth straightening process once you leave the clinic.
Foods to avoid: hard foods
- Ice, hard candies, popcorn, and nuts can break brackets and wires.
- Sticky and chewy foods like candies, caramel and taffy can get stuck in your braces and are hard to remove.
- Crunchy vegetables like raw carrots and celery should be sliced into smaller pieces or cooked until soft.
Foods to enjoy: soft fruits
- Bananas, applesauce, and ripe peaches are great options
- Dairy or vegan dairy products like yogurt, soft cheese, and milk and nut milk provide essential nutrients without causing discomfort
- Carbs like soft bread, pasta, and oatmeal.
You might also want to consider using a blender to whip up healthy soups or smoothies. This way, you can still enjoy delicious meals without compromising your dental care.
Improve your oral hygiene routine
Wire braces and invisible braces require a new and improved oral hygiene routine. With restricted access to your teeth, it is important you clean the exposed parts of your teeth and take extra care to ensure your braces also remain clean. It is easy for loose food and debris to get lodged within the metal wiring. A soft-bristled brush or an interdental brush can flush away dirt your toothbrush has left behind. While you can remove clean aligners to brush, food can get lodged between the aligner trays and your teeth. By taking extra care to give your teeth a thorough clean, you can prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria.
It’s also important it is to not miss your follow-up appointments. Doing so will ensure that your braces are doing their job properly.
Staying positive
This is an important point to make… Adjusting to braces is not just a physical change; it can also affect your self-esteem. Remember that many people have gone through the same experience and emerged with beautiful, confident smiles.
Here are some strategies to stay positive:
Focus on the end goal: remind yourself that these braces are a temporary fixture. Visualizing the confident smile that awaits you once you complete your treatment can provide motivation.
Share your experience with others: friends, family, or your online communities who have experience with braces. Sharing your journey can help you feel less isolated and more supported.
Take care of your mental well-being: make time for activities that make you happy and boost your mood. Anything goes! Art, sports, or spending time with friends, finding joy can help distract you from the challenges of adjusting to braces.
Take photos: consider documenting your journey with photos. This can help you see the gradual changes and keep your spirits high as you notice improvements.