No matter what your age, getting braces for the first time can shake your confidence. It's very common, when something visible is fitted into your mouth, to feel a little self-conscious.
Teens often go through braces alongside their friends, but as an adult it can feel more like a lone experience. We can reassure you that adult braces are far more common than you might think. Here's how to handle your first week and keep your confidence intact.
Why Adults Might Choose Braces
There are countless reasons you might decide to get braces as an adult. Aesthetics is only part of it - you might also want to address prolonged bite or wear issues, improve oral health, or correct problems from earlier treatment.
- **Aesthetic Improvement** - correcting misaligned teeth, bite function and even some speech issues can be a real boost to confidence.
- **Health Benefits** - straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, meaning less risk of cavities and gum disease. Adult braces can also reduce excessive gum wear and help your digestion by making chewing more effective.
- **Jaw Pain** - an unstable bite from misaligned teeth can lead to jaw pain, chronic headaches, TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder) and sensitivity.
- **Tooth Damage** - misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to wear and tear, sometimes resulting in dental emergencies later on.
4 Tips for Handling Your First Week in Adult Braces
Adapting Your Cleaning Routine
This is possibly the most important part of having braces. Brush twice a day and after meals or snacks - food easily gets caught between wires and brackets, and plaque left to build up can lead to decay and gum disease.
**Top tips for brushing:**
- Use a soft, orthodontic-head toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. Move in gentle, circular motions at different angles, covering the gumline, behind the teeth, and the top, middle and bottom edges of your brackets. Expect to replace your brush more often.
- Use superfloss to get underneath the wires and between the teeth. A water flosser or air flosser is another good option if traditional floss is tricky.
- Interdental or proxy brushes are designed for cleaning in and around brackets, with small triangular heads that reach the awkward spots.
Adjusting Your Diet
For the first few days, eat soft foods while your teeth adjust - soft-boiled pasta, bread, vegetables, soups and yoghurt all work well. After a couple of days the soreness fades and you can gradually return to firmer foods.
Steer clear of hard, sticky things like toffee, nuts, popcorn, chewing gum, pizza crusts and chewy sweets - these can damage brackets or get stuck. Limit sugary and fizzy drinks too. If you do indulge, brush as soon as you can afterwards.
Stocking Up on Pain Relief
Braces don't really "hurt" but they do take some getting used to, and you might feel some rubbing or pressure. Keep painkillers on hand for the day of the fitting and any adjustments.
If the brackets rub against your lips or cheeks, orthodontic wax over the offending bracket helps relieve the friction. Gargling warm salt water for 30 seconds a couple of times a day eases soreness and helps any small ulcers heal faster.
Knowing When Something's Wrong
Braces are with you for a while, so it's helpful to know what to do if anything breaks:
- **Loose bracket** - eating hard, sticky or chewy foods can sometimes cause a bracket to come loose. Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible so it can be re-fixed and to prevent further damage.
- **Protruding wire** - a common metal-braces issue. If the wire is poking your cheek, a small amount of orthodontic wax over the end helps, and your orthodontist can trim it for you.
How to Keep Your Confidence as an Adult with Braces
It's normal to feel self-conscious in those first few days. Remember braces are temporary - they're there to do a job, and once that job's done you'll have a smile you'll be proud of. Don't hide your smile in the meantime. Smiling actually lifts mood, and people are far less focused on your braces than you might think.
Looking for a Reliable Orthodontist in Sandbach?
At Cheshire Orthodontics we provide specialist-led private orthodontic care to patients in Sandbach and right across Cheshire. Whether you're an adult, teen or child, we'll help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve.
If you'd like to start your braces journey, get in touch to book a consultation.