Preparing For Braces

How Will Braces Affect My Daily Life?

Speech:

With regular fixed braces, speech is normally not affected at all. However, if your condition requires a palatal expander appliance to be fitted at the roof of your mouth, this may interfere with your speech. If you have lingual braces, you will take some time to learn to speak properly with the braces.

Playing musical instruments:

If you play a musical instrument with a mouthpiece, it will take you 1 to 2 weeks to become as skilful as before.

Brushing With Braces

With braces on, your teeth are more difficult to clean. Do not leave food on your braces. Brushing your teeth properly after every snack and meal will reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. In addition, 5 minutes of brushing are needed every morning and night. Have your toothbrush available to brush after meals as well as at your orthodontic visits. You can use disclosing solution to check if your teeth are clean. You will need to replace your toothbrush more often as it will wear out faster.

Eating and Diet Restrictions

Eating hard food or biting on large pieces of food may dislodge the brackets or bands and damage the wires. Avoid eating nuts and biting on nails or pencils. Do cut hard fruits into small and thin pieces before eating them. Avoid food and drinks with high sugar content such as sweets and soft drinks.

Pain and Discomfort

It takes up to one week to get accustomed to your braces. Initially, your cheeks and tongue will chafe from rubbing against the brackets and bands; apply some orthodontic wax on sharp corners to help ease the initial discomfort. Your teeth will also feel sore but you will get used to your braces in a couple of days. After each adjustment of the braces, you will also feel some discomfort as your teeth start to move.