Congratulations on starting your orthodontic journey! Whether you just got metal braces or ceramic braces, the first few weeks are an adjustment period. At Weeks Orthodontics, we want to make sure you’re prepared for every step of the process. This guide covers everything you need to know about living with braces — from day one through your final appointment.
The First Week: What to Expect
The first week with braces is the biggest adjustment period. Here’s what’s normal:
- Soreness — Your teeth and gums will be tender for 3-5 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) help significantly.
- Cheek irritation — Your cheeks need time to toughen up against the brackets. Use the orthodontic wax we provide to cover any brackets causing irritation.
- Difficulty eating — Stick to soft foods for the first few days: yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, scrambled eggs, and soup.
- Speech changes — Some patients notice a slight lisp initially. This resolves within a few days as your tongue adjusts.
Pro tip: Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) several times a day during the first week. It soothes irritation and promotes healing.
Foods to Eat and Avoid with Braces
One of the biggest lifestyle changes with braces is adjusting your diet. Certain foods can damage brackets, bend wires, and extend your treatment time.
Foods to Avoid
- Hard foods: Nuts, hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels, raw carrots (cut them into small pieces instead)
- Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, gummy bears, Starburst, chewing gum
- Crunchy foods: Chips, hard pretzels, croutons, hard-shell tacos
- Biting with front teeth: Don’t bite into apples, corn on the cob, or pizza crust directly — cut them up first
Braces-Friendly Foods
- Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, grapes, sliced melon
- Cooked vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted squash, mashed potatoes
- Proteins: Tender chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans
- Grains: Pasta, soft bread, rice, oatmeal, pancakes
- Treats: Ice cream, pudding, soft cookies, chocolate (no nuts)
How to Brush and Floss with Braces
Keeping your teeth clean with braces takes a bit more effort, but it’s absolutely essential. Poor hygiene during treatment can lead to cavities, white spots on your teeth, and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing after every meal when wearing braces.
Brushing Tips
- Brush after every meal and before bed (at minimum, 3 times per day)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
- Angle the brush at 45 degrees above and below each bracket
- Brush the front, top, and back of every tooth
- Spend at least 2 minutes brushing each session
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel
Flossing Tips
- Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to get under the wire
- A Waterpik (water flosser) is an excellent supplement to traditional flossing
- Floss at least once per day, preferably before bed
- Consider an interdental brush for cleaning between brackets
Managing Discomfort Throughout Treatment
Soreness is normal after adjustments, which happen every 4-8 weeks at our Winter Springs or Oviedo office. Here’s how to manage it:
- Over-the-counter pain relief — Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before your appointment if you anticipate soreness
- Orthodontic wax — Apply to any bracket or wire that’s causing irritation
- Cold foods — Ice cream, cold water, and smoothies can soothe sore teeth and gums
- Salt water rinse — Helps with mouth sores and general irritation
If a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose, don’t panic — this is a common orthodontic emergency that our team can fix quickly. Call us at (407) 699-1102 and we’ll get you in promptly.
Braces and Sports: What You Need to Know
You can absolutely play sports with braces — but you must wear a mouthguard. We recommend an orthodontic mouthguard specifically designed to fit over brackets. It protects your teeth, lips, and cheeks from impact.
For Winter Springs and Oviedo student athletes, we always keep extra mouthguards at our office. Just ask at your next appointment!
What Happens After Braces Come Off?
The day your braces come off is exciting — but your orthodontic journey isn’t quite over. Retainers are essential to maintain your results. Without them, teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions.
Dr. Weeks will fit you with a custom retainer and provide specific instructions on when and how long to wear it. Most patients wear retainers full-time for the first few months, then transition to nighttime-only wear.
Questions About Life with Braces?
Our team is always here to help. If you have questions about your braces, need to schedule an emergency visit, or want to explore treatment options, contact Weeks Orthodontics today. We’re proud to serve families across Winter Springs, Oviedo, and the greater Orlando area.
