Life With Braces

Life With Braces
Posted on 05/07/2019

At Lindsey Orthodontics, we're proud to help patients throughout Locust Grove, Griffin, and the surrounding areas achieve gorgeous new smiles through high-quality orthodontic treatment. We believe getting a new smile should be easy, and we strive to make treatment a convenient process. But while treatment with braces is more convenient than at any other time, there are still plenty of adjustments you'll have to make when you start treatment. To help you know what to expect and to ease the transition, here are the most important things to know about living with braces.

How Life Changes with Braces

If you're starting treatment with braces, you're on an exciting journey. This is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy new smile that you'll enjoy for a lifetime – but there are also some major changes you'll have to get accustomed to. Here are a few insider tips on what to expect from life with braces:

  • Discomfort Is Temporary: Not all patients experience discomfort, but sometimes, starting braces can be quite uncomfortable. But have no fear – discomfort is extremely temporary. Most patients feel the discomfort fade by the next day, and few report any discomfort by the end of a week.
  • Seriously, Watch What You Eat: You probably already know you'll need to avoid certain foods while wearing braces, and this is incredibly important. It's all too easy to bite down on the wrong food just one time, and suddenly, you've popped off a bracket and need to schedule an emergency appointment. Be diligent in monitoring your diet and avoiding foods that might damage your teeth or braces.
  • Flossing Takes a While, But It's Worth It: While wearing braces, you'll need to use a device called a floss threader. This can extend the time it takes to floss significantly, but it's still critical that you floss every day. Otherwise, you're putting your teeth at risk for cavities that could derail your treatment.
  • You Can Still Play Sports: If you're an athletic patient, getting braces doesn't mean you have to give up your craft. All you'll need to do is wear a custom-made athletic mouthguard any time you play or practice. This will protect your teeth and your braces, keeping your smile safe during sports.

Schedule a Consultation with Your Locust Grove, GA Orthodontist

We hope these tips make the transition to life with braces a little bit easier, and if you have more questions on what to expect, we're here for you. Contact us today to learn more about braces or to schedule a consultation for a new smile of your own. We can't wait to hear from you, and we wish you luck in adjusting to life with braces!