Adapting to life with braces is an important step in the journey to a healthy, beautiful smile, though it does necessitate some modifications to your daily routine. At Bergen Orthodontics, we understand the challenges and are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a teen starting your braces journey or an adult balancing orthodontic care with daily life, read on for key tips to make the process easier.
Eating With Braces
One of the first adjustments you’ll notice in life with braces is your diet. While you need not forgo all your favorite foods, specific dietary choices can help safeguard your braces and ensure your treatment progresses smoothly.
Foods to Avoid
Sticky, hard, and chewy foods are your braces’ biggest enemies. Items like caramel, toffee, nuts, and popcorn can damage the brackets and wires or get stuck in hard-to-reach places. Crunchy foods such as raw carrots and apples should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on your braces.
Braces-Friendly Foods
Soft foods are your new best friend. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and pasta. Smoothies can also be a delicious, healthy snack option that’s kind to your braces. For those with a sweet tooth, opt for treats like soft cake or pudding rather than chewy candies.
Cleaning Your Braces
Good oral hygiene is more important than ever when living with braces. This is because braces create more areas where food particles and plaque can hide, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Tips
- Brush After Every Meal: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and braces thoroughly. Brushing after meals can prevent food from sticking to your brackets and wires.
- Use a Proxabrush: These small, cone-shaped brushes are specially designed for cleaning between braces. They can reach areas that a regular toothbrush might miss.
- Floss Daily: Flossing with braces may take extra time, but it’s crucial for removing debris between your teeth. A floss threader can make the process much easier.
- Rinse With Mouthwash: An antimicrobial or fluoride rinse helps keep your mouth fresh and reduces the risk of cavities or gum inflammation.
At Bergen Orthodontics, we also recommend regular professional cleanings to ensure your teeth and braces stay in top condition throughout your treatment.
Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Consistency is key to maintaining great oral hygiene while wearing braces. If you're juggling a busy schedule, here are some strategies to stay on track:
- Create a Kit: Pack a braces-care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and wax for on-the-go cleaning.
- Stick to a Schedule: Set reminders to floss or use your proxabrush daily. Creating a routine ensures you never forget these critical steps.
- Address Discomfort: If you experience irritation from your braces, apply orthodontic wax to the affected areas or rinse with warm salt water.
We provide all our patients with detailed guidance so they feel confident managing their oral hygiene during this transformative phase.
Why Bergen Orthodontics Stands Out
Patients who choose Bergen Orthodontics for their braces don’t just receive expert care — they become part of a practice tailored to modern lifestyles. Our NYC-inspired environment creates a welcoming, upscale experience for patients.
Whether you’re a teen looking for a straighter smile or a professional improving your bite, our personalized approach ensures your orthodontic care fits seamlessly into your life. From flexible appointment scheduling to individualized dietary advice, we take pride in providing support beyond the dental chair.
Schedule Your Free Consult
Adjusting to life with braces is easier when you work with a team that truly understands your needs. At Bergen Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Schedule your free consult today if you’re ready to begin your orthodontic transformation. We’ll walk you through every aspect of life with braces, from dietary tips to personalized cleaning strategies, ensuring your treatment is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
