Starting braces or aligners can feel like a big change. You might wonder: Will it hurt? What can I eat? How do I clean my teeth? Don’t worry—we’re here to help.
This simple guide gives you easy tips to stay comfy, keep your mouth clean, and enjoy your meals. Let’s get started!
1. Getting Used to Braces or Aligners
What Happens First? When you first get braces or aligners, your mouth may feel sore. This is normal and should go away in a few days.
Easy Ways to Feel Better:
- Pain Relief: Ask an adult about taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Wax for Braces: Braces may rub your cheeks. Use soft wax to cover any rough spots.
- Cold Things: Try ice water or a cold pack. It can help reduce swelling.
- Soft Foods: Eat things like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and smoothies.
If something feels sharp, use wax before it starts to hurt!
2. Fixing Wires or Brackets
Sometimes, wires move or brackets get loose. Here’s what to do:
- Use Wax: Roll a small ball of wax and press it on the sharp spot.
- Use Tweezers: If a wire slips out, ask an adult to gently move it back.
- Call Your Orthodontist: If something feels bad and you can’t fix it, ask for help.
3. Keeping Teeth Clean
Braces and aligners need extra care. Clean teeth help you avoid cavities!
Brushing with Braces:
- Brush After Every Meal: Use a soft toothbrush to clean around the brackets.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: It helps protect your teeth.
- Floss Daily: Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth.
- Try Tiny Brushes: Interdental brushes clean around wires.
Carry a travel toothbrush and floss for after-school cleanups.
Cleaning Aligners:
- Rinse Often: Wash them with lukewarm water when you take them out.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft brush without toothpaste.
- Soak Often: Use special tablets to keep them fresh.
- No Hot Water: Hot water can change their shape!
4. What to Eat (and What to Skip)
Avoid These with Braces:
- Hard foods: popcorn, nuts, raw carrots.
- Sticky foods: gum, caramel.
- Chewy foods: bagels, tough meat.
- Biting into hard foods: Cut apples and corn instead of biting them.
Safe Foods for Braces:
- Mashed potatoes, pasta, scrambled eggs.
- Cooked veggies, bananas, and berries.
- Yogurt, cheese, smoothies.
Tips for Aligners:
- Don’t Eat with Aligners In: Only water is safe.
- Take Them Out to Eat: Brush your teeth before putting them back in.
- Watch Colored Drinks: Coffee, tea, and juice can stain them.
5. Staying on Track with Appointments
If You Have Aligners:
- Wear 20–22 Hours a Day: Only take them out to eat and clean.
- Change Trays on Time: Follow your orthodontist’s plan.
- Keep Old Trays: If you lose one, use the last one until you get a new one.
If You Have Braces:
- Go to All Appointments: Adjustments happen every 4–8 weeks.
- Tell Your Orthodontist About Problems: Don’t wait if something breaks.
6. Playing Sports, Music, and More
- Wear a mouth guard: For sports like hockey or football.
- Playing Instruments? Wax can help if the braces feel rough.
- Photos and Parties? Smile with confidence, your braces mean progress!
7. Traveling with Braces or Aligners
Be Ready On the Go:
- Braces Kit: Toothbrush, floss, wax, mirror, and pain relief.
- Aligner Kit: Tray case, cleaner, and your last tray.
- Going Away for a While? Talk to your orthodontist before you leave.
8. Keep Going! You’re Doing Great
Braces and aligners take time, but the results are worth it.
Stay Motivated:
- Take progress photos.
- Celebrate milestones.
- Join support groups or talk with friends who have braces.
Final Tips:
- Use wax if it gets uncomfortable.
- Clean your teeth and aligners every day.
- Follow the food rules.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Ask your orthodontist if you’re unsure.
Helpful Links:
- Canadian Dental Association – Cosmetic Dentistry
- Government of Canada – Dental Benefit Program
- North York Dental Forum – Ask real patients about their smile makeovers
