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Life With Braces in Reston, VA

Starting your journey with braces is an exciting step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. While adjusting to braces may require some changes to your daily routine, these adjustments are temporary and will ultimately lead to lasting results. Life with braces involves learning new ways to care for your teeth, making mindful dietary choices, and keeping up with your appointments. However, with guidance from the Reston Orthodontics team and a positive mindset, you'll find that the benefits far outweigh the challenges, and soon enough, your braces will become a natural part of your day-to-day life.

Eating with Braces

The good news is you can mostly eat everything you normally eat, with a few exceptions. We ask to stay away from really sticky foods (like Starburst, Skittles, and caramel) and to be careful with really hard foods like carrots and apples (cut in very small pieces). These sticky and hard foods can cause the braces to come off your teeth and can distort the wires that are in your braces. That means more visits to our Reston orthodontic office and a delay in your treatment, which no one wants!

Instead, try any of these braces-friendly options:

  • Soft Fruits:Bananas, berries, and melons are gentle on your braces and easy to chew.
  • Dairy Products:Yogurt, cheese, and soft milkshakes provide essential nutrients without requiring much chewing.
  • Cooked Vegetables:Steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and spinach are softer and easier to eat than raw ones.
  • Soft Proteins:Eggs, tofu, and tender cuts of meat or fish are great protein sources that are less likely to harm your braces.
  • Pasta and Rice:These staples are easy to eat and can be paired with a variety of soft, braces-friendly foods.
  • Smoothies:Packed with fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, smoothies are nutritious and gentle on your braces.

By choosing the right foods, you can keep your braces in good condition and ensure a smooth path to a beautiful smile.

Home Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your treatment. We recommend brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time. Flossing is also essential for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around the wires and brackets. We also recommend a Waterpik® water flosser, which makes the process a lot easier!

Continue to see your general dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional cleanings are important to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can be more challenging to manage with braces.

By following these tips and maintaining a diligent oral hygiene routine, you can ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment, paving the way for a beautiful, healthy smile once your braces are removed.