Life With Braces
At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we want to make sure you have a great time getting your teeth straightened. We’re experts at fixing smiles for kids, teens, and adults! Whether it’s braces, clear aligners, or retainers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure you’re comfortable and happy.
What are Braces?
Braces are like special tools that our orthodontist utilizes to fix crooked teeth. They help with things like
- Overbites: When your top teeth stick out too far.
- Underbites: When your bottom teeth stick out further than your top teeth.
- Crowded teeth: When you don’t have enough room for all your teeth.
Braces utilize brackets (those small squares), wires, and rubber bands to gently move or shift your teeth into the correct positions. It takes time, but you’ll end up with an attractive smile!
Getting Braces: What to Expect?
Here’s what to expect when you get braces:
Our orthodontist in Woodridge, IL, will thoroughly clean your teeth.
They’ll glue the brackets onto each tooth.
They’ll connect the brackets with a wire.
Your mouth might feel a little sore for a few days—that’s normal! It just means your teeth are getting used to their braces.
To help with soreness
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
If a bracket rubs
Use special wax to cover it up.
Taking care of your braces from the start is super important!
Keeping Your Teeth Clean with Braces
Braces can trap food, so it’s extra important to brush and floss.
Brush after every meal
Use a soft toothbrush or an electric one.
Floss every day
Use a floss threader (it’s like a needle for floss!) or a water flosser to get between your teeth and the wires.
Rinse with mouthwash
This helps prevent cavities.
Clean teeth mean a happy mouth and a faster journey to a perfect smile!
Eating with Braces
Some foods can hurt your braces, so be careful!
Foods to avoid:
Chewy stuff
Like bagels and licorice.
Crunchy snacks
Popcorn, chips, and ice.
Sticky treats
Caramel and gum.
Hard things
Nuts and hard candies.
Biting into
Whole apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots.
Foods that are safe to eat:
Dairy
Soft cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Soft breads
Pancakes and tortillas.
Cooked grains
Pasta and rice.
Soft meats
Chicken and meatballs.
Soft fruits
Bananas and applesauce.
Soft veggies
Mashed potatoes and steamed spinach.
Eating smart will keep your braces safe and sound!
Braces and Your Activities
Don’t worry, you can still do your favorite things with braces!
Sports
Wear a mouthguard to protect or shield your teeth and braces.
Instruments
It might feel weird at first, but you’ll get used to it!
If you get hurt or feel any pain, check your braces and call us right away.
Common Problems & Solutions
Soreness
Rinse with warm salt water or take a pain reliever.
Loose wire or bracket
Call us! Try to push the wire back gently with a pencil eraser or cover any sharp edges with wax.
Irritated cheeks or lips
Use orthodontic wax.
Loose teeth
Don’t panic! It’s normal for your teeth to feel loose when they’re moving.
Caring for your braces every day helps your treatment stay on track and your smile moving in the right direction.
Regular Check-Ups
Come see us every few weeks so we can:
Adjust your braces.
Check your progress
Make sure everything’s working like it should.
Follow our orthodontist near you instructions and wear your rubber bands (if you have them!) to get the optimal results.
Life After Braces
We’ll take your braces off and give you a retainer.
Wear your retainer
It prevents your teeth from moving back.
Keep brushing and flossing
A clean mouth is a happy mouth!
See your dentist regularly
For check-ups and cleanings.
Need Help With Braces? Contact Us Today!
At Girgis & Ito Orthodontics, we’re excited to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted! Give us a call today to schedule a visit at Girgis & Ito Orthodontics.