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Life with Braces

Candice L. – Actual Fort McMurray Orthodontics Patient

Adjusting to Life with Braces

Adjusting to life with braces means you must take good care of your teeth and your braces during treatment. The first few days with braces can be accompanied with tenderness and soreness. This is perfectly normal, but the good news is that it gets better. Usually within 2 to 3 days, the general soreness will subside. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated as they become used to the braces.

Great brushing and flossing are also crucial in keeping the bacteria at bay, and don’t forget to use wax, which we will provide for you.

How to Brush with Braces

Brushing is an important part of keeping your braces and your teeth in top condition. Here are some brushing tips that will help you make sure your teeth stay clean:

  • Brush thoroughly after each time you eat a meal or snack. If you cannot brush right away after a meal, be sure to rinse your mouth with water
  • Braces wear out a toothbrush quickly, so be sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as it shows signs of wear
  • Brush around all the parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth
  • You’re doing a good job if your braces look clean and shiny, and you are able to see the edges of the brackets clearly. Fuzzy-looking or dull metal indicates poor brushing

How to Floss with Braces

Regular flossing should also be an integral part of your cleaning routine. Use these tips to make flossing easier:

  • Floss every night before you go to bed
  • Use a floss threader – this reusable tool allows you to get dental floss underneath the wires easily

Eating with Braces

There are a few dietary adjustments you will need to make in order to protect your new braces and ensure that your treatment goes smoothly. But don’t worry – there are still many tasty foods that you can still eat!

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

  • Dairy – soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks, yogurts, cottage cheese, eggs
  • Breads – soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
  • Grains – pasta, soft cooked rice
  • Meats/poultry – tender meats, meatballs, lunch meats
  • Seafood
  • Vegetables – mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, beans
  • Fruits – applesauce, bananas, fruit juice, smoothies, berries
  • Treats – ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, plain chocolates, peanut butter cups, brownies, soft cookies. But remember to always limit your intake on sugar!

Foods to avoid with braces:

  • Chewy foods – bagels, licorice, pizza crust, French breads
  • Crunchy foods – popcorn, chips, ice, hard candies including lollipops, thick pretzels
  • Sticky foods – caramel candies, chewing gum, gummy candies
  • Hard foods – nuts, hard candies
  • Foods that require biting into – corn on the cob, apples, carrots, ribs and chicken wings

Habits to avoid with braces:

  • Chewing on objects such as pens and ice cubes
  • Nail biting
  • Smoking

What Life is Like with Braces

Wondering what life is like with braces and how it feels to get them off? Some of our clients have shared their experiences:

A Perfect Smile

Before braces, I felt concerned for health reasons since I had a baby tooth which could come with future problems. Now that I am finished with braces I'm relieved and happy with the bonus of a perfect smile. Thanks to Dr. Koh and staff.


Susana | Age 26

My Teeth Look Great and So Do I

I loved having braces. At times they hurt but it was worth it. Now that they are off couldn't be happier. My teeth look great and so do I. Thank you to all the staff that made this happen!


Cadence I. | Age 12

Definitely Worth It

Life after braces is amazing even though its a long experience and somewhat painful it is definitely worth it and Dr. Koh couldn't have done a better job! :)


Allison D. | Age 16

Confident in My Smile!

Before I got braces I did not like my smile. Now that my braces are off I am more confident in my smile! It was definitely worth the wait!


Makayla Cull | Age 13

Get Them and Run

Life before braces was horrible. Eating was awkward and I hated smiling. Getting braces didn't hurt, but it was a long trek to get where I am now. I regret absolutely nothing. If you get the chance to get braces; GET THEM & RUN. You won't regret it and you'll be fine! :)


Your cool kid, Cassidy Brook | Age 16

Now I Can Smile

Before braces, my smile was very bad and I wasn't all confident with my smile. Now I can smile and they feel much better.


Noah | Age 15

You Will Be Ok

Hi my name is Bella. When I first got my braces, I hated my teeth. I wished I never got braces. But today I had them taken off and I feel great! So to all you other people with braces, you will be ok.


Bella | Age 10

I Highly Recommend Dr. Koh

My experience with Dr. Koh has been wonderful. I would highly recommend Dr. Koh to anyone thinking of getting braces. I started noticing results within the first few months.


Kylie | Age 13

I Highly Recommend Dr. Koh

My experience with Dr. Koh has been wonderful. I would highly recommend Dr. Koh to anyone thinking of getting braces. I started noticing results within the first few months.


Kylie | Age 13

I Love My Teeth

My experience with braces: before I had braces I would never smile with my teeth cause I didn't like them. After I got braces, I started to see the change. I started smiling more. Now that I got them off I can't stop smiling. I love my teeth.


Jerin | Age 13

My Smile Improved a Lot!

When you first get braces it's weird for the first day or two but once you get used to them you learn to like them. When I got mine off my teeth felt really smooth and it was weird, but you can learn to like it. My smile improved a lot and so can your smile!


Laney P. | Age 13

Book Your Initial Exam Today!

Dr. Koh and his team are looking forward to you joining our growing patient family!

Get in Touch

Information

212-9914 Morrison St

Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4A4

Hours Of Operation

Monday - Friday 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday - Sunday Closed

Service Area

Fort McMurray
Surrounding Greater Wood

Buffalo area

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