Adjusting to Life with Braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter smile, but it does come with a short adjustment period. At Trapnell Orthodontics in Spanish Fork, we want patients to feel prepared for what daily life looks like once treatment begins, from how to care for braces to what foods to watch out for along the way.
Most patients find that within a few weeks, braces become a normal part of their routine. Knowing what to expect from the start makes that transition a lot smoother.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy During Treatment
Good oral hygiene matters more than ever once braces are in place. Brackets and wires create extra places for food and plaque to collect, so a consistent routine helps protect your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
- Brush after every meal to prevent food from building up around brackets and wires
- Floss daily using techniques designed to work around braces
- Continue seeing your family or pediatric dentist at least once every six months, or more often if recommended
- Ask our Spanish Fork team about tools like interdental brushes if you're having trouble reaching certain areas
What to Eat, and What to Avoid
Right after getting braces, teeth often feel a bit sensitive, so softer foods tend to be more comfortable for the first few days. Once that sensitivity passes, most patients return to a fairly normal diet, with a few exceptions.
Foods to limit or avoid while wearing braces include:
- Chewy foods such as bagels, beef jerky, and chewy energy bars
- Crunchy foods including ice and frozen treats
- Sticky foods like caramel, chewy candy, and certain gums
- Hard foods such as nuts and hard candy
It's also worth breaking habits like chewing on pens or pencils, since this can loosen brackets or bend wires and add unnecessary time to your treatment.
Handling Common Braces Issues
Even with good habits, minor issues can pop up during treatment. Knowing how to respond keeps small problems from becoming bigger ones.
1
Recognize It's Usually Not an Emergency
A loose bracket or a poking wire is common and rarely something to worry about right away.
2
Call Our Spanish Fork Office
Let our team know what's going on so we can advise on next steps, whether that means a quick fix at home or a visit to our office.
3
Determine If a Repair Can Wait
In many cases, minor repairs can simply be handled at your next scheduled appointment if it's coming up soon.
4
Schedule a Repair Visit if Needed
If the issue needs more immediate attention, our Spanish Fork team will get you in for a quick repair to keep your treatment on track.
5
Get Back on Schedule
Once the repair is made, your treatment continues moving forward as planned, with minimal disruption to your timeline.
Tips to Avoid Common Repairs
A few simple habits can help you avoid most unexpected trips to our office:
- Stick to the list of foods to avoid throughout treatment
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or other physical activity
- Avoid touching or playing with brackets and wires
- Address minor irritation with orthodontic wax rather than pulling at brackets or wires
Questions About Life With Braces?
Whether you're just getting started or a few months into treatment, our Spanish Fork team is here to help you navigate day-to-day life with braces. Reach out anytime with questions or concerns.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE