First Days | Kingwood Orthodontics

First Days

Brace Yourself

You have taken a huge leap towads a beautiful, healthy smile! You may be both excited and slightly nervous about the first few days ahead. We have you covered. Here are some tips to help you on your journey.

Broken Bracket Lineup

Certain foods can break your appliances, leading to longer treatment time. Avoid the following foods:

Hard Foods

Nuts & Candy

Sticky Foods

Caramel & Gum

Chewy Foods

Hard Breads & Licorice

Crunchy Foods

Chips & Popcorn

Foods you bite into

Corn on cob, Carrots
& Apples

Managing Soreness

You may notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure.

How to minimize discomfort

Before leaving the office, there are routine steps which we ask you complete prior to leaving. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit:

  • Before leaving your appointment, please use your finger or tongue to confirm the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheeks.
  • Nonprescription pain remedies – such as those commonly taken for headaches – may be helpful.
  • Use wax to cover rounded edges of braces.

Loose Teeth

It is quite normal for teeth to increase in mobility during orthodontic treatment. Do not let this concern you as it is a sign that your braces are moving your teeth as we planned. Once your teeth have settled in their final positions, they will stop feeling loose.

Tips for Athletes & Musicians

  • Yes, you can still play sports with braces on, but we strongly recommend that you wear an orthodontic-friendly mouth guard while doing so. We provide a complimentary mouth guard for any of our patients who play sports, so please let us know if you need one. If you happen to be involved in an accident while playing sports, make sure to check your mouth and your appliances immediately. If you notice any damage to your appliances or teeth, please schedule an appointment.

  • We recommend liberal use of wax and warm salt-water rinses to get you through the first few weeks. With a little patience and practice, you will be playing “normally” again in no time at all.