Whether you’re a teen getting braces, an adult getting braces, or an adult preparing for your child to get braces, you may have conflicting emotions before braces and may feel a bit overwhelmed with the changes to come.
That’s okay! This is normal. Our experienced orthodontists have helped hundreds of patients transform their smile with Damon self-ligating braces, Spark clear aligners, and Invisalign clear aligners; we understand the anxieties that our patients may have!
Dr. Nease, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Higginbotham, or Dr. Horvath have the skills, experience and tips you need to achieve a beautiful smile – without the awkward experience.
Check out these tips before getting braces!
1. Schedule a professional cleaning at your dentist.
Before we can start braces treatment, you (or your child) will need to have a professional dental cleaning. This should be at the top of your “what to do before getting braces” list!
It’s an important precautionary measure that ensures your teeth are clean, healthy and strong. We want to make sure there are no underlying dental issues or concerns that could worsen during treatment.
It’s important that you have a strong foundation to support a beautiful set of healthy, happy teeth!
Your dentist will make sure that there is no decay in the teeth before we place you or your teen’s braces. If you’ve had a dental cleaning at least six months before your braces appointment, we can start the process!
2. Adjust the family menu!
What to eat before getting braces: Before you get braces, eat whatever your heart desires! Eat all of your favorite foods. Then when you’re done, head to your favorite grocery store and prepare your fridge for a (temporarily) tender mouth.
During the first two weeks of braces treatment, you may experience some minor tenderness or soreness. As your teeth and gums are adjusting to the pressure of braces, it may be best to opt for softer foods.
Stock up on foods like mashed potatoes, chopped or sliced fruits, mac ‘n’ cheese, applesauce, oatmeal, etc.
Foods and candies that are especially sticky, hard or chewy, will have to take a temporary hiatus from the menu. You can use this as a chance to try something new! Add some new foods to the mix and spice up your palette.
3. Prepare a braces kit.
Having braces requires a little more discipline in the dental hygiene department, so it’s a good idea to create a braces care kit that you can carry whenever you’re away from home!
Here are some essential items for your braces care kit:
- Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste to keep braces free of debris after meals
- Dental wax to ease irritation or protect the mouth from wires or brackets in the event that they become loose
- Floss to clean between the teeth after meals
- Tylenol or another over-the-counter pain reliever
- Small pocket mirror to floss or brush teeth on-the-go
4. Make sure you have a mouthguard for sports!
Another thing to know about braces – you won’t have to sit on the sideline during your orthodontic treatment! However, it’s crucial that you wear a mouthguard.
If you’re a sports player, having a mouthguard is essential for protecting the teeth and braces during an impact. If you collide with another player or take a ball to the face, there’s a chance that the impact may damage your mouth or damage another player.
This is why mouthguards are critical for creating a barrier between the object of impact, and your mouth – with or without braces.
You have options!
Remember, you and your teen have options! If you’re still hesitant about braces treatment, it may be a good idea to consider clear aligners. We’re proud to offer Spark and Invisalign for teens and adults.
Find out if your teen is a good clear aligners candidate right from home! You can get started with a free virtual smile assessment.
Still have questions about preparing for braces?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re happy to discuss any of our treatments with you.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Gaffney, Union, Duncan, West Spartanburg or East Spartanburg, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
