As technology has advanced, so has dentistry at large. When people think of braces, a lot of them think of the cumbersome, traditional metal braces. The “metal mouth” look has been exaggerated in television and cartoons to the point where the older people get, the less likely they are to even consider getting braces.

Imagine walking around as a middle aged man or woman, going to work for the first day with these metal braces. Would you worry about what people thought?

Your Options

There are many options when it comes to braces at I Song Orthodontics. Thanks to advances in technology, patients have more options than ever. Patients can pretty much customize their braces.

Types of Braces

Metal braces are still the most popular option, but clear braces are being used widely, especially by our adult patients. The more efficient, less time-consuming self-ligating braces might also be a viable option. Removable appliances such as Invisalign are also innovative and popular options for candidates who qualify.

Braces Can Help

Braces are great options for those who suffer from misaligned teeth or an imperfect bite. Braces are tried and true treatments for crowded teeth as well as overbites and underbites. At I Song Orthodontics we are with you every step of the way. We can help you decide which option and treatment plan is the best for you and your lifestyle.

Daily Life with Braces

If you’re a new braces wearer, congratulations! You are well on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile. You may also be wondering what lies ahead in the coming weeks and months as you adjust to daily life with braces. In general, here’s what you can expect to experience and a few guidelines that will help you have a smooth, stress-free experience with braces.

You’ll be a little sore at first

It’s normal to experience soreness in your gums after your braces are first put on. You may also feel some tenderness in your teeth when you bite down. This is because your mouth is adjusting to the presence of new hardware and your teeth are beginning to shift. To help ease the pain, you can swish with a salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) a few times a day. You may also wish to take over-the-counter pain relief medicine.

Your teeth will feel “loose”

If you notice that your teeth have a little wiggle room, don’t panic! This is part of the process. Your teeth have to be loosened from their original position before they can be guided into their new alignment in your mouth.

You will have to adjust your diet

In your first few days with your new braces, you won’t be able to chew normally. Stick to soft foods, such as soups and pasta, until you’ve adjusted to your braces and the initial soreness has subsided.

After that, you’ll still have to avoid certain foods for the duration of your time with braces. Foods that are tough, sticky, and chewy can get trapped in your braces and potentially break the wires and brackets. Sugary foods are also a no-no, since they can linger on your teeth and lead to decay.

You may need a mouth guard for sports

Contact sports such as football can pose a danger to your braces, so please let us know if you are involved in any athletic activities that may require a special mouth guard. You should also contact us immediately if you sustain any kind of injury to your face or mouth while playing sports.

Key takeaways

The most important thing to remember is that you play a key role in the success of your orthodontic treatments. It’s crucial to establish a daily oral hygiene routine, keep all of your appointments with us, and follow the care instructions provided to you.

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