Life with Braces

Tips for Living Comfortably with Braces

At Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics, we understand that life with braces is a transformative experience. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through every step of your orthodontic journey. We offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages, ensuring that your path to a straighter, healthier smile is smooth and comfortable.

Soreness Caused from Braces and Appliances

Your mouth will feel sore and tender for a few days after you first begin wearing braces. This discomfort is expected and should go away within a week. To relieve pain, our orthodontist recommends you dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and swish/gargle this solution for a few minutes. You may also take a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen. If your pain persists longer than a few days, please contact our office so we can adjust your braces.

Your tongue, cheeks, and lips may also be irritated while you adjust to wearing braces. You can ask our team for wax to place over your braces to reduce tenderness and irritation.

Loose Teeth

Your teeth may feel slightly loose while you wear braces. This is because braces function by loosening your teeth enough to move them into the proper positions. At the completion of your treatment, your teeth will no longer be loose.

Loose Wires and Bands

Your wires and bands might occasionally come loose. If this happens, reach out to our office as soon as possible for repairs. If a piece of your appliance breaks off, bring it to your appointment. If a loose wire is irritating your mouth, place a piece of wax or a wet cotton ball over it to relieve any pain.

Taking Care of Your Appliances

It is crucial that you take care of your orthodontic appliances. Damaged appliances can extend the length of your treatment. Consistently wear your rubber bands, elastics, headgear, retainer, or other appliances as your orthodontist prescribes so that your teeth and jaws can be moved into the correct positions.

Playing Sports with Braces

You can continue to play sports with braces! Braces will not hinder your day-to-day life. We do recommend wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth, lips, gums, jaw, and appliance from damage. If you have a sports emergency, immediately check your mouth for any loose teeth or damage to your braces. If you notice any damage, contact our office right away.

Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Reach out to us to begin your orthodontic journey today.

Eating and Drinking with Braces: What You Need to Know

Wearing braces means paying extra attention to what you eat and drink. Certain foods can damage your brackets and wires or get stuck, which increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. The good news? With a few smart choices, you can keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track. Let’s explore which foods to avoid—and what’s safe to enjoy!

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces

• Chewy foods – bagels or licorice
• Crunchy foods – popcorn, chips, or ice
• Sticky foods – caramel candies and chewing gum
• Hard foods – nuts and hard candies
• Foods that have to be bitten into – apples, carrots, and corn on the cob

Foods You Can Continue to Eat With Braces

• Dairy – soft cheese, pudding, and milk-based drinks
• Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, and muffins without nuts
• Grains – pasta and soft-cooked rice
• Meats/Poultry – soft-cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
• Seafood – tuna, salmon, and crab cakes
• Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, and beans
• Fruits – applesauce, bananas, and fruit juice
• Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, and soft cake

Drinks to Avoid With Braces

It is recommended to avoid drinks that are high in sugars and acid, like soda, juice, and energy drinks, because of the way sugar and acid can cling around your braces and increase your risk of decay or cavities. If you do drink one of these beverages, please brush your teeth immediately afterward. 

Why Choose Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics

When it comes to orthodontic care, Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics stands out as a trusted provider in the community. Since our founding in 1994, we've been committed to delivering exceptional orthodontic services with a personal touch. Here's what sets us apart:

• Family-oriented practice with a focus on patient comfort
• Treatment for all ages, from children to adults
• Customized payment plans to fit your budget
• Expertise in both traditional braces and Invisalign
• Bilingual staff fluent in English and Spanish
• Same-day emergency appointments available
• Locally and family-owned for personalized care
• Affiliations with prestigious dental associations

Experience the Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics difference. We're here to support you throughout your orthodontic journey and beyond.

Contact Us

Your path to a perfect smile starts with a conversation. At Dieguez Smiles Orthodontics, we're eager to address your orthodontic concerns and help you achieve the smile you've always dreamed of. With two convenient locations, we make it easy for you to access top-quality orthodontic care. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions, schedule your consultation, and guide you through the treatment process.

Don't let orthodontic issues hold you back any longer. Contact us today to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you.