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Life With Braces in Auburn, AL

Having braces is much easier than it used to be, especially when you get them at Sprayberry Orthodontics. That’s because we use the latest technologies available in orthodontics; many designed to make life with braces more comfortable.

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You might experience some tenderness and soreness of your teeth and mouth with the first few days of braces. This is completely normal and usually subsides within a week. Your teeth might even feel a little loose (after all – they’re on the move!) Some patients say there. is no discomfort, others like to keep some Advil or Tylenol handy for a couple of days after they start treatment.

Your lips, cheeks, or tongue may feel irritated for the first week or two of having braces, but be reassured that will subside as your mouth gets used to them. If needed, you can use the dental wax we provide you with to cover up spots on your braces that may be irritating or cutting into your cheeks and gums.

Don’t forget how important it is to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Thorough brushing and flossing keep bacteria at bay, which keeps your whole mouth healthier in the long run.

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Helpful Tips

Keep your teeth healthy, happy, and clean!

Brushing with braces will take some getting used to! Brushing around brackets and wires will take a little practice. Be sure to brush thoroughly after meals and snacks so any food particles are removed before bacteria have a chance to grow. If you’re not able to brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water will help until you can get a toothbrush.

Using fluoride toothpaste with a soft bristled brush with a small head. Braces wear toothbrushes out at a quicker pace, so be sure to replace yours as soon as it begins to show signs of wear.
Brush around every part of your braces, as well as every surface of your teeth.
Look for clean, shiny braces, with the edge of brackets clearly visible. Fuzzy or dull looking metal indicates poor brushing.
Floss at least once a day. Tools like floss threaders and waterpiks are helpful if you’re having difficulty with getting floss underneath the wires.
Be sure and continue to visit your dentist every 6 months while you are in treatment.

The In’s and Out’s of Braces

Eating with Braces

You’ve probably heard from friends and family members who have worn braces that you won’t be able to eat some of your favorite foods while you’re in treatment. That’s true – if your favorite food is hard candy:-). Truth is – you can eat most anything as long as you avoid anything that might cause you to lose a bracket, break a wire, or get tangled up in goo. Here’s a simple, helpful guide to help you avoid any issues. Feel free to print this list out and put it up on the fridge.

Things to Avoid

These are a no go

Nuts

Popcorn

Chewing Pencils

Hard Candy, Caramels, Gummy Bears, and Taffy

Corn ON the Cob

Chewing Ice

Jerky

Raw Carrots

Loose Wires, Bands, and Brackets

What to Do if Problems Occur?

If any part of your braces come loose or break in any way, call our Auburn, AL office so we can determine what your next steps should be. While you wait for your appointment, there are a few guidelines you can follow to keep both your braces and mouth safe. If a band or bracket is broken, but still attached to the wire, don’t connect any elastics to it, and leave it alone until your appointment. If it is causing you irritation to the inside of your mouth, you can cover it with orthodontic wax.