Breeze Through Orthodontic Treatment with These Tips

The day you get braces will be the first step to a new smile and a confident you! Aren’t you excited about your new, beautiful smile with straight teeth?! Here at Papasikos Orthodontics in Montclair NJ, Dr. Papasikos is excited to go through treatment with you and watch your teeth transform. So, if you’re wondering how you’re going to get through orthodontic treatment they don’t fear because with these helpful tips, you will be just fine!

Tip #1: Pain Meds – At the beginning of your orthodontic treatment, you might experience slight discomfort and tenderness. This is normal, especially during the first week of wearing braces, but don’t worry, it just means that the braces are doing their job and moving your teeth into their proper places. If you experience pain, it is okay to take any medicine you would take if you had a headache. However, if you experience excruciating pain, then call Papasikos Orthodontics ASAP!

Tip #2: Soft Foods and Cold Beverages – The best way to get through orthodontic treatment, especially that first week when you get your braces on, is to drink and eat plenty of cold foods and beverages. Eating cold foods and drinking cold beverages can help to numb your mouth and ease any pain you might experience. There are a variety of cold items that you can choose from such as yogurt and smoothies. During the first week of braces, it would be best to stick to foods that don’t involve too much chewing so that you’ll also feel comfortable.

Tip #3: Orthodontic Wax – This is going to be one of the biggest lifesavers for you during your orthodontic treatment. The benefit of this wax is that if you feel like the brackets are irritating the inside of your mouth you can take the wax and apply it to the brackets. Also, if you have a wire that is poking you, you can apply the wax to the end of the wire so that the sharp point won’t irritate the inside of your mouth.

Tip #4: Oral Hygiene – You must practice good oral hygiene for good oral health so that you don’t end up with cavities or gum disease during your orthodontic treatment. While wearing braces, food can get stuck between the wires and brackets so you must make sure to clean your teeth after meals. Brush, floss and rinse just like you normally would without the braces but if you’re still struggling then speak with Dr. Papasikos so he can provide you with other suggestions.

Tip #5: Mouthguard – It is extremely important that you wear a mouthguard if you are active in sports and other physical activities that could cause injury to your mouth area. Speak with Dr. Papasikos if you require a mouthguard.

Tip #6: Orthodontic Care Kit – Putting together an oral care kit to keep with you during orthodontic treatment is going to be the biggest lifesaver for you during your orthodontic treatment. You can keep your kit when going to school or when traveling so that it’s always with you and you can keep your teeth healthy and safe when you’re away from home. In your kit, you can put a travel-size brush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and even some orthodontic wax. For questions or tips on items to put in the care kit, please speak with Dr. Papasikos or a member of our team.

If you follow these tips you should be able to have a successful orthodontic treatment. For questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office – 973.744.2511.