Life with Braces in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, VA

Starting your orthodontic journey with braces at KHA Orthodontics is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities. By following your orthodontist's instructions and taking great care of your braces, you can ensure a comfortable treatment process and achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Your braces are a partnership between you and your orthodontist. Whether it’s maintaining good home care, wearing rubber bands, aligner trays, or any other prescribed appliance, your commitment is crucial for success.

Eating with Braces

You can enjoy most of your favorite foods with braces, but you may need to make a few adjustments to how you prepare them:

• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: These can damage your braces or cause brackets to come loose.
• Modify Food Texture: Instead of meat on the bone, cut it into smaller pieces. Swap crunchy peanut butter for creamy. Foods that are tough, crunchy, or sticky should be avoided or altered to prevent damage to your braces.

The glue that holds your brackets in place isn’t permanent and braces can be knocked off if you’re not careful, so eating thoughtfully is key.

Home Care Tips

Keeping your teeth and braces clean is essential to avoid cavities, gum issues, and stains during treatment.

1. Brush Often: Braces can trap food easily, so brushing five times a day is recommended:
   • When you wake up
   • After breakfast
   • After lunch
   • After dinner
   • Before bed
2. Floss Regularly: While it can be tricky with braces, flossing as often as possible helps keep your gums healthy and prevents cavities.
3. Inspect Your Braces: Check for loose brackets, wires, or stuck food after brushing.

What to Do If Something Breaks

If a part of your braces breaks, don’t panic! Most issues can be handled at home until your next appointment. Here’s what to do:

• Call Your Orthodontist: Contact KHA Orthodontics for guidance on managing the issue.
• Temporary Fixes: Many problems, like poking wires or loose brackets, can be resolved temporarily with orthodontic wax or small adjustments.
• Appointment Adjustments: Depending on the situation, we may schedule you for a sooner visit or advise you to wait until your next appointment.

Your Path to a Great Smile

Life with braces may take some getting used to, but the effort you put in now will pay off with a lifetime of confident smiles. Follow your orthodontist’s advice, take care of your braces, and enjoy the progress as your teeth transform!

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Suffolk orthodontic office. We’re here to help every step of the way.