Life with Braces
Your guide to living your best life during orthodontic treatment
Embrace Your Braces Journey!
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a beautiful, healthy smile! While there’s a short adjustment period, most patients find that braces quickly become a normal part of their daily routine.
You can continue doing everything you love – playing sports, musical instruments, eating delicious food (with some modifications), and spending time with friends. Braces are incredibly common, and you’ll be surprised how many people you know who have had them!
Remember: This is temporary, but your beautiful smile will last forever. Let’s make this journey a positive experience!
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your journey to a beautiful smile starts here
Day 1-2
Getting Used to Braces
- Your teeth and mouth may feel tender – this is normal!
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes
- Use orthodontic wax on any areas that irritate your cheeks or lips
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever if needed
Day 3-5
Adjusting to the Feel
- You’ll start getting used to the feel of braces
- Practice speaking to adjust to the slight change
- Continue using wax as needed for comfort
- Begin to introduce more solid foods gradually
Day 6-7
Finding Your Routine
- Establish your oral hygiene routine
- Most discomfort should be subsiding
- You can return to most normal foods (following our guidelines)
- Braces will start to feel like part of you
Staying Active with Braces
Continue doing what you love!
You can play any sport with braces! Wear a mouthguard for contact sports. We can provide an orthodontic mouthguard that fits over braces.
Pro Tips:
Musicians can definitely continue playing! Brass and woodwind players may need a short adjustment period.
Pro Tips:
Braces won’t interfere with school or work. Bring your oral care kit for after lunch brushing.
Pro Tips:
Continue enjoying time with friends! Modern braces come in fun colors that you can customize.
Pro Tips:
Your Treatment Timeline
What to expect throughout your journey
Month 1
Initial AdjustmentGetting comfortable with braces, establishing oral care routine, adapting to food restrictions
Months 2-6
Visible ChangesYou'll start noticing your teeth moving! Keep up with appointments every 6-10 weeks for adjustments
Months 6-12
Steady ProgressBraces feel completely normal. You'll see significant improvements in your smile alignment
Months 12-18+
Final StagesFine-tuning your bite and alignment. Getting excited for braces removal day!
Your Social Life with Braces
Braces won’t hold you back!
Selfies & Photos
Rock your braces in photos! They're a part of your smile journey. Many people look back fondly on their braces photos.
Dating & Relationships
Braces won't hold you back. Millions of people date while wearing braces, including adults!
Special Events
You can absolutely attend weddings, proms, and special occasions with braces. Consider fun bracket colors to match your outfit!
Job Interviews
Braces show you care about your health and appearance. Employers see this as a positive! Smile confidently.
Keep a Positive Mindset!
Remember, braces are temporary, but your beautiful smile will last a lifetime. Every day brings you closer to the smile of your dreams!
Take progress photos along the way so you can see how far you’ve come. Trust the process, follow our care instructions, and before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your braces-off day!
You’ve got this! We’re here to support you every step of the way. 💙
Have Questions About Life with Braces?
We’re always here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out.