Life with Braces

Braces are all about creating a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime! Here at George Family Orthodontics, we want your time in braces to be as easy and efficient as possible. Taking good care of your braces, is the most important way to ensure that your treatment is effective and stays on time.

Dr. Debbie and Dr. Kelsey, along with our friendly and caring staff, will make you feel welcome every time you visit our South Attleboro, Seekonk, or Vineyard Haven offices. Any and all questions will always be answered promptly and you’ll be informed of your progress every step of the way.

Below, we’ve put together some tips on how to best live—and enjoy—your life with braces.

Eating with Braces

Upon getting your new set of braces you will watch a video instructing you how to care for your teeth. Always abide by the “No-No Food List” you receive, which includes avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods that can cause damage to the teeth or braces themselves.

Popcorn, gum, nuts, soda, and pizza crust are all examples of foods you should stay away from. Apples and other fruits and vegetables can be eaten, but should be cut up into smaller pieces. Also, avoid biting on pens, pencils, finger nails, ice, or other hard objects.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

If you eat a lot sugary foods and don’t have good oral hygiene, you can put yourself at greater risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and decalcifications on your teeth. Brushing will take a bit more time, but it is worth it to avoid these risks.

Brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. Avoid picking at your braces. as brackets or wires may become loose or broken. Brush the surfaces of your teeth around the brackets making sure to tilt your toothbrush at a 45’ angle to get above and below the brackets. You’ll also be given floss threaders and shown how to use them for quick and easy flossing.

Dealing with Discomfort

Braces may make your teeth sore for a few days following your appointments. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce discomfort. We will also provide you with wax to help alleviate pain from poking wires or loose brackets.

If you feel a bracket, wire, or band is loose, contact our South Attleboro, Seekonk, or Vineyard Haven office as soon as possible so we can walk you through what to do and/or schedule an emergency appointment. We always have someone on call to handle your emergency needs.