Hard or crunchy foods, like popcorn, pretzels, or chips, can break and become lodged under your block braces. You can either avoid these foods or only eat them when your block braces are taken out.
Keep them in a plastic box for safekeeping while you are eating if you need to take the braces out.
Read aloud while you’re at home and practice tongue twisters to get used to forming words with your braces in. “S” sounds tend to be the most affected, so practice tongue twisters like “She sells sea shells down the sea shore. ”
Practicing speaking with your braces in can also help to prevent any potentially embarrassing speech problems.
Keep in mind that others aren’t nearly as focused on your braces as you are. If you’re feeling self-conscious, remember that the majority of people are so wrapped up in their own lives and problems that they won’t notice your braces.
Keep your orthodontic goal in mind by looking at before and after pictures from other people who have had block braces. Your orthodontist will have pictures of other peoples’ treatments, and you can find before and after shots online.
You can take your braces out while you’re playing contact sports, or when you play a wind instrument. You should always wear a mouthguard during sports, even if you take your braces out.
Use floss to clean between teeth and to keep your gums healthy. You can also rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Alcohols can erode your braces, so avoid alcoholic mouthwashes.
You will need to clean your teeth before you re-insert the brace so food is not trapped between the brace and your teeth.
You can use a denture cleaner, brush it with a baking soda and water paste, or clean it with an antibacterial dish soap. Be sure the rinse the braces thoroughly after soaking them.
If you ever lose one of your braces, make an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. [7] X Research source
Look for products that temporarily numb the area to bring some short-term relief. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water, which helps to ease oral irritations. Be sure not to swallow the salt water after rinsing. [9] X Research source You can look for products at drug stores that are specifically intended for mouth ulcers, or for products that contain oral antiseptics, like carbamide peroxide, that will kill bacteria. If you frequently get canker sores, talk to your orthodontist about whether a prescription-strength product is right for you.
A travel or full-size toothbrush Travel size toothpaste Dental wax Dental floss or interdental picks A small spiral dental brush. You may have to ask your orthodontist for one of these brushes. You can find a dental kit at a large retailer or a drug store if you don’t want to make your own.
An ice pack can help alleviate jaw pain, or you can take an over the counter pain medication.
