Braces Are a Big Step
If you are considering braces in Birmingham, choosing the right orthodontic care is an important first step. Braces are a proven way to correct alignment issues, improve bite function, and support long-term oral health for children, teens, and adults.
At Degenhardt Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic braces tailored to each patient’s needs, with a focus on effective treatment and personalized care from a trusted orthodontist in Birmingham.
Why Choose an Orthodontist in Birmingham for Braces
Choosing an orthodontist in Birmingham allows patients to receive ongoing, in-person care throughout their braces treatment. Regular visits are an essential part of orthodontic progress, allowing adjustments and monitoring to keep treatment on track.
Working with a local orthodontist also makes scheduling visits more convenient and ensures continuity of care from start to finish.
Tips for Living With Braces
As you get used to your new orthodontic treatment, you may need to make a few adjustments, but it'll become second nature before you know it.
Soreness
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth won't be sore forever. To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water.
Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If your pain is severe and doesn't go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It's normal for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces.
We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
Care & Maintenance
Brushing with braces can take some getting used to. Maneuvering around brackets and wires takes a little practice. Be sure to brush thoroughly after every meal or snack, so any food particles are removed before bacteria has a chance to grow.
If you’re not able to brush right away, rinsing your mouth with water will help until you can get to a toothbrush.
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste with a soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush.
- Braces wear toothbrushes out quickly, so be sure to replace yours as soon as it begins to show signs of wear.
- Brush around every part of your braces, as well as every surface of your teeth.
- Look for clean and shiny braces, with the edge of the brackets clearly visible. Fuzzy-or dull-looking metal indicates poor brushing.
- Floss every night before you go to bed. Tools like floss threaders and waterpiks are helpful if you’re having difficulty with getting a good floss underneath the wires.
Eating With Braces
Don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time. However, before you enjoy some of the treats you love, you'll need to avoid any foods that could damage your new braces.
Foods You Can Eat
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Types of Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic braces come in several forms, each designed to address alignment and bite concerns in a reliable way. During your consultation, your orthodontist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your specific orthodontic needs.
Braces are designed to be durable, effective, and adaptable throughout treatment as teeth shift into place.