Starting your journey with is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Our orthodontist in Grand Rapids and Greenville, MI, wants to make sure you know exactly how to care for your braces so your treatment stays on track and your smile stays healthy.
Braces-Friendly Eating Habits
In the early stages, you’ll need to steer clear of certain foods to protect your braces. Hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy snacks can damage the wires and brackets, delaying your progress.
Avoid these foods:
- Chewy: bagels, taffy, licorice
- Crunchy: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky: caramel, chewing gum
- Hard: nuts, hard candies
- Biting into: apples, corn on the cob, carrots
Safer food choices include:
- Dairy: yogurt, soft cheeses, milkshakes
- Breads & Grains: soft pancakes, tortillas, pasta, cooked rice
- Protein: lunch meats, soft chicken, meatballs, fish
- Fruits & Veggies: applesauce, bananas, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes
- Treats: pudding, Jell-O, ice cream (without nuts), soft cakes
When your orthodontic braces are first placed, it’s normal to experience some discomfort. A simple saltwater rinse (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) can help soothe sore gums and teeth.
If soreness continues, over-the-counter pain relief may help. You might also notice your cheeks, lips, or tongue feeling irritated—wax can provide a barrier and reduce friction while your mouth adjusts.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
Feeling like your teeth are loose? That’s expected! Braces gently move your teeth, and a slight looseness is a sign they’re working. If a wire or band comes loose, contact our offices. Until you can get in, you can use a pencil eraser to nudge a poking wire or cover it with wax for comfort. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.
Don’t Forget Your Appliances
To stay on track with , always wear your prescribed appliances—whether it’s rubber bands, retainers, or headgear. Damaged or forgotten gear can set back your progress.
Sports and Braces
You don’t have to sit on the sidelines! If you’re active in sports, a custom mouth guard is a must. It protects both your teeth and your braces. If you suffer an injury, check your mouth for damage and contact us right away. A saltwater rinse and wax can provide temporary relief until your visit.