The First Week of Braces: Tips, Tricks & What to Eat

Getting braces can be an exciting step towards achieving a beautiful and aligned smile, thanks to orthodontic treatment. However, the first week of wearing braces may be challenging as your teeth adjust as the braces hurt your teeth.

In this article, we’ll provide you with essential tips and tricks to navigate the initial phase of braces, including what to eat and how to handle any discomfort caused by traditional metal braces. Discover the importance of soft foods, the benefits of orthodontic wax, and valuable insights to ensure a smoother and more comfortable braces treatment experience.

Type of Foods to Consume During the First Week with Braces

During the first week with dental braces, it’s crucial to focus on gentle foods on your teeth that won’t exacerbate any discomfort you may experience. As braces can sometimes cause soreness, sticking to soft foods can help ease the transition.

1. Soft Fruits

Opt for soft fruits like bananas and applesauce during the initial week with dental braces. These options are easy to chew, reducing the discomfort braces may cause. Avoid chewy or sticky fruits that can get stuck in the brackets, potentially leading to additional irritation. Soft fruits provide essential nutrients while being kind to your braces and helping your teeth adjust smoothly to the changes.

2. Braces-Friendly Fruits Pizza Crust Bagels

Indulge in pizzas with thin crusts or softened bagels during your first week with metal braces. Thick and chewy crusts can be challenging to eat with braces, but thin crusts and soft bagels are braces-friendly alternatives. By choosing these options, you can enjoy your favorite treats without adding unnecessary pressure to your braces, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes become a go-to comfort food as your teeth adapt to traditional braces. They require minimal chewing and are soft on the teeth, making them an excellent choice during the initial phase. Enjoy the goodness of potatoes while relieving your teeth from the braces’ discomfort.

4. Tender Shredded Chicken Meatloaf Meatballs

Get the necessary protein intake without straining your braces by opting for tender shredded chicken, meatloaf, or meatballs. These options offer a delicious and braces-friendly way to meet your protein needs while ensuring your teeth adjust smoothly during the early stages of orthodontic treatment.

5. Cooked and Tender Vegetables

While vegetables are essential, stick to chips crunchy vegetables during your first week with braces. Steamed carrots and well-cooked broccoli are excellent choices that won’t put excess pressure on your braces. Avoid vegetables like raw carrots or celery, which can damage the braces and hinder adjustment.

Tips to Conduct Yourself Ideally for the First Week with Braces

The first week with braces can be an adjustment period, but you can ensure a smoother experience with the right approach. Following some essential tips, you can conduct yourself ideally during this phase and make the most of your orthodontic journey. Here are five tips to help you navigate the first week with braces:

Choose Soft and Easy-to-Chew Foods

Opt for soft foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and applesauce during the initial days with braces. These options are gentle on your teeth and braces, reducing any discomfort caused by the orthodontic appliance. Gradually reintroduce other foods as your teeth adjust, ensuring a more comfortable eating experience.

Use Orthodontic Relief Wax

If you experience irritation or sore spots from the braces rubbing against your cheeks or lips, orthodontic relief wax can be a lifesaver. Apply a small amount of wax to the brackets irritating, providing a smooth surface and alleviating discomfort. Remember to consult your orthodontist if the irritation persists.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and braces after each meal thoroughly. This prevents plaque buildup, reduces the risk of tooth decay, and ensures your braces stay in top condition throughout the treatment.

Be Mindful of Your Food Choices

While there are so many great foods to enjoy, be mindful of what you eat with braces. Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that damage the brackets and wires. Instead, focus on braces-friendly choices like watermelon, grapes, and other soft fruits. Additionally, consider chewing sugarless gum to help stimulate saliva production, which aids in cleaning your mouth and maintaining oral health.

Practice Patience with Lingual Braces

If you have lingual braces (braces placed on the back of your teeth), the adjustment period may take a little longer as your tongue gets used to the new positioning. Be patient and persistent with your speech and eating, as your tongue will eventually adapt to the changes, and any initial speech difficulty will improve over time.

Soft Bristled Toothbrush

Incorporate a soft-bristled toothbrush into your oral hygiene routine to ensure gentle cleaning around your braces. The soft bristles effectively clean your teeth and braces without causing additional discomfort. By taking good care of your dental braces, you can minimize the chances of gum disease and other oral issues.

Steer Clear of Hard Foods

During the initial phase of braces, avoid hard foods like chips and crunchy vegetables. These items can harm the brackets and wires, leading to potential orthodontic problems.

How Long After Getting Braces Can You Eat Normal or Solid Foods?

The timeframe for eating soft foods or solid foods after getting braces varies from person to person and depends on the type of braces and how quickly your teeth and mouth adjust to the treatment. Generally, it takes a few days to a couple of weeks for your mouth to get used to the new braces.

During the initial period, it is recommended to stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of damaging the braces. As your teeth gradually adapt to the braces, you can reintroduce normal and solid foods into your diet.

Your orthodontist will provide guidance based on your specific situation and may suggest a timeline for adding different foods back to your diet as your orthodontic treatment progresses.

Final Words

If you are considering orthodontic treatment or have recently got braces, ensuring a successful and comfortable experience is paramount. For expert orthodontic care and personalized treatment plans, look no further than Glow Orthodontics.

Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. With their expertise and state-of-the-art treatments, including traditional and lingual braces, you can trust Glow Orthodontics to deliver exceptional results.