Getting braces for the first time is a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a bit of fear.
I knew it would be a long journey, but nothing quite prepared me for the reality of adjusting to life with braces.
Dealing with soreness and changing my diet have been learning experiences, and I want to share what they are like!
I felt fine the day I received my braces. I even thought, "This isn't so bad," as the process went well, but by the evening, reality set in. I realized I couldn't eat as I used to because my teeth hurt. I had to reconsider my diet because every mouthful felt awkward.
Brushing my teeth also became a whole new task.
Food kept getting stuck in my brackets, and I had to be extra careful while flossing. My daily routine suddenly included more time spent in front of the mirror with my toothbrush, floss threaders, and a small dental kit.
What I You Eat with Braces?
Some of my favorite crunchy snacks were off-limits, and anything too chewy or sticky was a no-go.
Here's what worked best for me, as recommended by the dentist.
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal
Pasta
Soft bread
Soup
This is normally my food for two weeks: bread and milk.
Some Foods to Avoid:
Complex chips & popcorn (they can get stuck or break a bracket), sticky candies (goodbye, caramel, and gummies), tough meats (chewing can be painful), nuts (too hard on the teeth), and even crunchy veggies (unless they're cooked or cut into small pieces).
The pain is temporary but annoying.😣
I had to learn to deal with the soreness after getting braces. The first few days were the worst, but I felt that familiar discomfort for 2 weeks. Over time, I found ways to make it more bearable:
- Sticking to soft foods right after adjustments
- Using orthodontic wax to prevent bracket irritation
- Taking pain relievers when needed - Disclaimer: (I took Tylenol as a pain reliever because I have a low tolerance for pain. I felt that I needed medication to ease the pain.)
- Drinking cold water to soothe soreness
Keeping my teeth clean became more critical than ever. With braces, food gets trapped easily, and the last thing I wanted was cavities or stains. So, my routine included:
🦷 Brushing after every meal (or at least rinsing my mouth)
🦷 Using a special orthodontic toothbrush
🦷 Flossing with a floss threader (it's tricky at first but gets easier)
🦷 Using mouthwash to keep everything fresh, I used Colgate Plax Ice, which has a mild flavor and is gentle on the mouth. It’s good to hear it's not too strong for me and feels user-friendly.
Getting braces was a significant change for me, and it came with struggles, but it all led to a better smile. I miss crunchy snacks and eating without worrying about food getting stuck, but day by day, I've learned to adapt.
Talking felt different, and I became more conscious of my bite.
As the days went by, though, I gradually adjusted. Although the struggle is accurate, the progress is as well! Every ounce of suffering makes me smile more, and I remind myself that the journey is worthwhile.
I've also gained a lot of knowledge about patience and discipline. Maintaining good dental hygiene takes more work, from applying orthodontic wax to brushing carefully.
Additionally, I now value soft foods much more than before! Even if I get frustrated sometimes. Although these first two weeks have been difficult, they have also demonstrated my adaptability.
I'm excited to see further development and come closer to the grin I've always desired! 💙