A lot of people ask our team at Texas Family Orthodontics how to make having braces an easier experience, especially when they’re first starting out. The good news is there are definitely some tricks that can help! So we’ve compiled a list of our top tips for transitioning to your new braces.
Some Changes to Expect
Dr. Vo is more than familiar with the process of helping patients start their treatment with braces. It can present a few significant changes in the beginning that we want you to be aware of ahead of time:
- Occasional Discomfort: Feeling some degree of soreness or discomfort is absolutely normal with braces. This can be on both your teeth and your gums, especially as your teeth begin to shift for the first time.
- Eating is Different: Eating is a very natural human process that we’re all used to, but it changes a little bit when braces are brought into the equation. You may find that you need to adjust your diet to foods that are easier to consume with braces.
- Emotional Changes: Starting braces can bring about a number of emotions. Some patients will feel frustrated or anxious at times—but it’s important to hone in on the results that will eventually come.
- Altered Speech: The presence of brackets and wires in the mouth can affect how the tongue operates and produces certain sounds. This can manifest in a slight lisp or trouble enunciating certain words. The good news is you will become acclimated to this with time and practice.
- A New Routine: There are a few steps to caring for braces, most of which revolve around keeping them nice and clean. Dr. Vo might provide you with special instructions for your smile, which you’ll need to stick to closely. Again, though—this becomes second nature with time.
Taking the Leap
With some of these changes in mind, let’s discuss some ways we can make them less stressful. There are so many ways to enhance your orthodontic treatment. Keep these tips from Texas Family Orthodontics in your back pocket as you go through the process.
- Educate Yourself: Never be afraid to ask questions—it’s why we’re here. In addition to our team’s knowledge, the internet can also be a great resource for advice on life with braces,
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Dr. Vo’s treatment plan for you is bespoke, meaning she’s considered all of your individual needs. So be sure to follow this plan as closely as possible for the best results, especially early on.
- Embrace Community: Chances are, there’s at least one person in your life who currently has or has had braces before. Partner with these friends and family members to provide perspective based on their experiences. This can be a huge help and source of support.
- Special Tools: Patients with braces have access to lots of specialized cleaning and maintenance equipment, including interdental toothbrushes, floss threaders, and orthodontic wax. Use all the tools you have at your disposal, and we guarantee your life with braces will be much easier!
- Regular Adjustments: Stick to your appointment schedule. With braces, Dr. Vo makes manual adjustments at predetermined intervals to shift teeth along as planned. Therefore, skipping appointments is a very big deal! Our office team is dedicated to accommodating your schedule however we can—just be sure to keep in contact with us if you’re ever concerned about missing a visit.
- Stock Up on Soft Foods: In the initial days after getting your braces (or having them adjusted), you can expect some level of tenderness. This is a great time to stick to foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups for a comfortable eating experience. Likewise, be sure to avoid hard or crunchy foods that can cause direct damage to your appliance.
- Drink Lots of Water: Dry mouth is never comfortable, and braces can make it even worse. Drinking water helps to rectify this while also flushing your mouth of food particles and bacteria between cleanings.
- Track Progress: These days, we carry cameras in our pockets. Take advantage of this tool to track your progress, taking photos every week or so from your first day with braces. It can be a great resource to have when times get tough, showing how your hard work is paying off with time.
The Bottom Line
We don’t expect you to get braces and immediately feel comfortable with them. There is a huge learning curve, but Texas Family Orthodontics can equip you for this! So be encouraged because our team is here to support you until the day those braces come off. We can’t wait to welcome you into our San Antonio or Windcrest office soon.