Life With Braces
Welcome to Speaker Orthodontics, where our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Steven Speaker, provides an array of orthodontic treatments in East Texas. Our two locations in Lufkin and Nacogdoches deliver top-notch orthodontic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether considering braces or Invisalign for the first time or exploring other various treatment options, our team provides only the highest quality of care to ensure you get the necessary treatment for your smile.
EATING WITH BRACES
Part of life with braces is leaning how to eat. Don’t worry, you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on crunchy chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new braces or appliances.
FOODS TO AVOID WITH BRACES:
- Tough Chewy foods — bagels, licorice, beef jerky
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, Suckers
- Hard foods — nuts, croutons, whole carrots
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, ribs
FOODS YOU CAN EAT WITH BRACES:
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts or candies, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
SORENESS CAUSED FROM BRACES AND APPLIANCES
Next, life with braces you may experience some tenderness. When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
LOOSE WIRES AND BANDS
Part of life with braces is experiencing loose bands or wires. The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
LOOSE TEETH
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPLIANCES
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
PLAYING SPORTS WITH BRACES
Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Life with Braces in Nacogdoches and Lufkin
Life with braces at Speaker Orthodontics in Nacogdoches and Lufkin is designed to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Dr. Speaker and his team provide personalized care and support every step of the way, ensuring patients understand how to maintain their braces and oral hygiene. With a focus on patient education and a friendly atmosphere, Speaker Orthodontics helps make the journey to a straighter smile a positive experience, filled with encouragement and expert guidance. Regular check-ups, state-of-the-art technology, and a caring staff make life with braces manageable and even enjoyable. Contact us today!
