At Burke and Beckstrom Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a confident, healthy smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you’re on your journey to straighter teeth with braces, we’ve put together a guide to life with braces, covering everything from eating and playing sports to maintaining top-notch oral care. 

Eating with Braces

The decision to get braces is an investment in your future smile. However, we understand that adjusting to life with braces can come with a few challenges, especially when it comes to eating. During the initial days after getting your braces, you might experience some discomfort as your mouth adapts to the new addition. Don’t worry; this is perfectly normal and won’t last long. 

To ensure the best outcome for your orthodontic treatment, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain foods that could potentially damage your braces. Sticky candies, hard nuts, and chewy treats can all threaten your brackets and wires. Instead, opt for nutritious braces-friendly foods; think along the lines of: 

  • Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons.
  • Cooked vegetables that are tender and easy to chew.
  • Lean proteins such as fish, eggs, and well-cooked poultry.
  • Dairy products, including yogurt and cheese.
  • Soft grains like pasta and rice. 

Maintaining a balanced diet is important to support your overall health and well-being. To avoid any unexpected issues, remember to cut your food into smaller, manageable pieces and take your time chewing to prevent unnecessary pressure on your braces. 

Playing Sports with Braces

Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for your overall health, and if you’re a younger patient, chances are you’re playing school sports. Braces shouldn’t hold you back from participating in sports and activities you love. However, protecting your braces during these activities is essential to ensure successful treatment. 

When engaging in contact sports like basketball, soccer, or football, keeping your braces and teeth from impact is important. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing a mouthguard. Investing in a mouthguard designed for orthodontic patients is essential because it offers necessary protection while accommodating your braces. 

Here’s a simple guide to choosing and using a mouthguard for sports: 

  • Consult Your Orthodontist: Before purchasing a mouthguard, consult us at Burke and Beckstrom Orthodontics. Based on your specific needs, we can recommend the correct type of mouthguard for you.
  • Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Custom-made mouthguards provide the best fit and protection. These are created based on molds of your teeth and braces, offering optimal comfort and safety. 
  • Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are softened in hot water and then molded to your teeth and braces for a better fit than generic options. 
  • Proper Care: Clean your mouthguard after each use to maintain good oral hygiene. Store it in a protective case to prevent damage. 

Remember that even with a mouthguard, accidents can happen. If you experience any trauma to your mouth or braces while playing sports, contact us immediately for guidance on how to proceed. 

Oral Care and Hygiene

Maintaining your oral hygiene is essential for success on your orthodontic journey. Proper care ensures the success of your treatment and contributes to the overall health of your teeth and gums. 

  • Brushing with Braces: Brushing your teeth with braces requires extra attention. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean both the surfaces of your teeth and your brackets. Brush at a 45-degree angle, making sure to brush thoroughly but gently around your brackets. 
  • Flossing with Braces: Flossing can be a bit more challenging with braces, but it’s absolutely essential. Use a floss threader to get between brackets and wires with ease. Waterpiks are a great alternative to floss, though they’re more expensive. 
  • Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes are designed to clean around brackets and wires easily. They’re particularly effective in removing food particles and debris from tight spaces. 
  • Orthodontic Wax: If wires or brackets cause any irritation or discomfort, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief by creating a smooth surface. 
  • Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine appointments with Dr. Burke and Dr. Beckstrom for adjustments and progress checks. Regular check-ups allow us to ensure everything is on track and address any concerns. 

Remember, maintaining excellent oral hygiene promotes successful orthodontic treatment and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have any questions about your oral care routine or need suggestions for specific products, don’t hesitate to ask! 

Conclusion 

At Burke and Beckstrom, we understand the challenges of wearing braces, and we’re here to provide you with the guidance, support, and resources you need to make your experience as smooth as possible. From choosing braces-friendly food to protecting your mouth while playing sports, we’ve given you the tools you need for a healthy smile. Your commitment to taking care of your braces today will reward you with a beautiful smile in the future. At Burke and Beckstrom, we’re excited to guide you through every stage of your orthodontic transformation. Ready to get started on your braces journey? Contact us today for a consultation with Dr. Burke and Dr. Beckstrom!