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Life With Braces: What Dallas Orthodontic Patients Can Expect

Local guide for patients of Josue Dental in Dallas, TX.

Related service: Orthodontics

Getting dental braces put on changes a few daily habits, but most patients adjust within the first couple of weeks. Here's what that adjustment period actually looks like.

The first few days

Some soreness for the first three to five days is normal as teeth begin to shift , soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief usually handle it fine. The brackets themselves can also irritate the inside of the cheeks and lips at first; dental wax helps until the mouth toughens up, which it does.

Foods to actually avoid

Sticky (caramel, gum), hard (ice, hard candy), and very chewy foods are the main things to skip , they're what typically break brackets or bend wires, which means an unplanned repair visit. Corn on the cob and whole apples are fine, just cut off the cob or sliced first.

Cleaning takes a bit more time

Food gets caught around brackets more easily, so brushing after meals and using an interdental brush or floss threader becomes part of the routine. It's more effort, but it's what keeps white spots and cavities from forming around the brackets during treatment.

Adjustment visits

Regular visits every four to eight weeks let the orthodontist tighten wires and keep treatment on track. Some soreness for a day or two after each adjustment is normal , it fades faster than the initial soreness did.

Josue Dental in Dallas can walk you through what to expect for your specific treatment plan. Call the office with any questions before or during treatment.