You and gummy worms aren't going to be besties for the next 12 to 24 months. It's one of the many small changes that come with getting braces.
The good news is that the countdown to an incredible smile is officially on the moment you glide into our chair to get your braces put on. The not-so-great news is that you'll need to settle into the adjustment period. That can mean staying away from the stickier foods you love and being extra diligent about brushing and flossing.
The "don't" list for life with braces can seem a little scary at first. In reality, most teens who get braces on aren't all that bothered by the small restrictions they need to follow.
Let's dive into what you can and can't do with braces, how much they hurt, and what to do when something goes wrong after you get your braces on.
What Can You Eat With Braces?
You've probably heard by now that there are some foods you can't eat with braces. Anything "sticky" or "really hard" damages metal brackets and wires. Anything with a chewy texture should generally be avoided. You could end up popping a bracket, pulling out a wire, or breaking the glue holding your bracket in place. Even snacks like Brazil nuts and almonds can be hard enough to do damage.
The Banned List
The worst offenders for braces are things like:
- Chewing gum
- Taffy
- Gummy worms
- Peanut brittle
- Hard candy bars
We've also seen popular snacks like popcorn, hard pretzels, and baby carrots cause big problems.
The good news is that you can still eat almost everything you're eating now after you get braces.
The Friendly Swaps
- Sweets: Swap chewy or sticky sweets for Jell-O, sorbet, fruit smoothies, ice cream, or pudding cups.
- Nuts: If you love raw nuts, consider switching to almond butter or cashew butter to get the same flavor and nutrition.
- Snacks: Some soft snacks that are satisfying without harming braces include string cheese, hummus with soft tortillas instead of chips, and fruit cups or canned fruit in syrup.
- Fruits and vegetables: Avoid biting into raw vegetables like baby carrots or crunchy fruits like apples. Apple and pear slices, bananas, oranges, and berries are all very compatible with braces.
How Long Do Braces Hurt?
It can really depend. We've had patients who don't even feel sore the same night. Others may take a week before soreness fully goes away. Most people experience a dull ache or soreness for one to three days.
Your gums may feel tender. In addition, many patients go through an "acclimation" period where their metal brackets rub into their cheeks. This can definitely produce some rawness. However, it usually only takes a day before you don't even notice it.
What Can I Do for Braces Pain?
Here are some tips to stay comfortable after you get braces:
- Salt water swish: Swishing a little bit of warm water with salt can soothe tender gums nicely.
- Cold and hot compresses: Cold and hot compresses against your cheeks can also help soothe inflammation.
- Over-the-counter relief: When it's medically safe to do so, we tell parents that they can help their kids manage braces pain the first day or so using over-the-counter pain relievers if there's a lot of discomfort.
- Soft foods first: We also recommend taking it easy with food for the first day. This isn't the best time to chew through a steak. Spicy or hot foods can also worsen the inflamed gums. Stick to simple favorites like yogurt, scrambled eggs, soup, and ice cream to give your sore gums and tired jaw a rest while you acclimate.
- Orthodontic wax: Our office will give you orthodontic wax that can be placed over any parts of your braces that are causing pain or irritation. This wax will come in handy if there's ever a time when a wire that's been broken or jostled is poking into your gum or cheek. It can help you safely cover the source of the pain while you make plans to come in to have the issue looked at by our staff.
What Should I Do If a Bracket Breaks?
Call your orthodontist's office right away. Avoid trying to glue a bracket back on or twisting wires out of the way. While it may seem like you could easily repair the issue, the last thing you want to do is accidentally put too much pressure on your teeth or break more pieces.
What If My Wire Is Poking Me?
This is where the orthodontic wax we mentioned above is going to save the day. Just hold tight with the wax over any broken spot that's causing pain until you can get into the office.
Is a Broken Bracket an Emergency?
A single broken bracket or a bracket that falls out of place isn't usually an emergency. We just want to see you as soon as possible to get it back in place so that your treatment isn't extended. If you already have an appointment coming up soon, we may just make a note on your chart that we need to take care of it when you come in. Give us a call for a broken bracket in either case.
However, things like broken or snapped wires are considered emergencies that should really be taken care of the same day if possible. It's also an emergency if you have severe pain or bleeding or blistering in your mouth from your braces.
Ready to Start Your Smile Transformation?
Has the time come to get serious about building a beautiful smile? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Johnson to get the adventure started.
FAQs
Will my teeth still be sore from braces if I get Invisalign?
It's very normal to feel pressure for the first 48 hours after getting Invisalign trays for the first time. That's because the trays are slowly starting to shift your teeth into new positions. This will probably happen every time you get a new set of trays.
Can you chew gum with braces?
Like most orthodontists, we recommend staying away from gum because it can get tangled in your brackets and wires to make a sticky mess. You absolutely should not chew gum if you have broken brackets or wires. If you do reach for chewing gum, only select sugar-free gums on the official list from the American Dental Association (ADA) to keep cavity-causing sugar away from your teeth and gums.
What do I do if I break my braces over the weekend?
Call our office as soon as it opens on Monday morning at 8 a.m. We will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible based on what's broken. Consider an emergency visit to a doctor if the issue is causing severe bleeding or swelling in your mouth.