Life With Braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthy, confident smile. Most patients adjust quickly, and a few simple habits can help keep treatment comfortable and on schedule.
Knowing what to eat, how to care for your braces, and what to do if something feels loose or uncomfortable can help prevent unnecessary problems throughout treatment.
Eating With Braces
You can still enjoy most of your favorite foods while wearing braces. The key is avoiding foods that can loosen or break brackets and wires.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard or crunchy foods such as ice, hard candy, and popcorn
- Sticky or chewy foods such as caramel, taffy, and gummy candy
- Chewing gum
- Hard nuts
- Biting directly into hard foods such as whole apples or raw carrots
Many harder foods can still be enjoyed if they're cut into small, bite-sized pieces and chewed carefully.
Foods You Can Enjoy
There are plenty of braces-friendly options, including:
- Soft breads and tortillas
- Pasta and rice
- Eggs
- Yogurt and soft cheeses
- Tender meats
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft fruits
- Soups
- Smoothies
- Ice cream and other soft treats
Soreness After Getting Braces
It's normal for your teeth to feel tender when your braces are first placed or after certain adjustments. This usually improves within a few days.
Eating softer foods can help during this time. If your cheeks or lips become irritated by a bracket or wire, orthodontic wax can be placed over the area until your mouth adjusts.
If discomfort seems unusual, becomes severe, or doesn't improve, please contact our office.
Loose Teeth
Don't be surprised if your teeth feel slightly loose during orthodontic treatment. This is a normal part of the process.
Your teeth must loosen slightly within the surrounding bone before they can move into their new positions. Once treatment is complete, they will stabilize again.
Loose Brackets or Wires
Occasionally, a bracket or wire may become loose or damaged.
If this happens, contact LaHaye Orthodontics so we can determine whether you need to come into the office or whether the issue can safely wait until your next scheduled appointment.
If a loose wire is irritating your cheek or gums, orthodontic wax can often make the area more comfortable temporarily.
Never cut or remove a wire or appliance unless our team has specifically instructed you to do so.
Playing Sports With Braces
Yes—you can absolutely continue playing sports while wearing braces.
We recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports or any activity where your mouth could be injured. A properly fitting mouthguard helps protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances.
If your mouth or braces are injured during sports, contact our office so we can determine whether anything needs to be repaired.
Take Care of Your Braces
Your braces can only work properly when your appliances remain intact and your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Brush carefully around your brackets and along your gumline, floss regularly, and continue seeing your general dentist for routine cleanings and dental care throughout orthodontic treatment.
Most importantly, follow the instructions we give you regarding elastics, appliances, and other parts of your treatment. Your cooperation can have a significant impact on keeping treatment on schedule.
Questions or Problems With Your Braces?
We're here to help.
If something doesn't feel right, an appliance becomes damaged, or you're unsure whether something is normal, contact LaHaye Orthodontics. Our team can help determine what you should do and whether you need to be seen.
With offices in Thibodaux and Houma, we're here to help keep your orthodontic treatment comfortable and moving forward.