Our team is so excited to have you join the family and we will take really good care of you the day you get your braces on. It is normal to be nervous, but we promise it will all be worth it! So, what should you expect the week after you get braces? We're here to help guide you that first week as you make adjustments.
Expect Some Soreness
It is normal for your mouth to be sore or tender the first week after getting braces. Your teeth will already start to shift some! Also, it will take a little bit of time for your lips, gums, cheeks and tongue to adapt to the brackets and wires on your teeth. This tenderness will not last forever and should be much better in one to two weeks. Our team will send home some wax with you to cover any areas that get irritated from the brackets and wires.
To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever as needed. After a week or two, your mouth will toughen up and will not be tender any more.
What to Eat
We suggest eating soft foods for the first couple of days and staying away from anything tough to chew to help with your soreness. Things like pasta, bread and soup are great things to start out with. Once your tenderness goes away, you can eat what you feel like with a few exceptions listed below that you should not eat while you have braces.
Foods to avoid with braces:
Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice
Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum
Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
How to Brush & Keep Your Mouth Clean
It is always important to brush your teeth and have good dental hygiene, but it is super important while you have braces because it is much easier for food and bacteria to get stuck in your teeth. Make sure to take your time while brushing and get around every bracket. We will provide you with "flossers" that look like soft plastic sewing needles to help you get the floss through your wires and show you how to use them. Many patients feel that rinsing with water or mouthwash really helps get out anything stuck.
Live Life Normally
Other than that, not much changes when you have braces! You can still play sports and instruments. We do recommend wearing a mouthguard if you participate in a contact activity to protect your mouth. Dr. Cox is proud of you for starting a journey toward a straight and healthy smile. It will all be worth the wait, we promise!
Are you tired of constantly having to read the fine print? Hidden costs, strange fees, and price hikes happen all of the time, especially in the dental and health industries. Read more to find out why you can trust Pridemore and Cox Orthodontics with your teeth – and your wallets.
No Hidden Fees
We pride ourselves on providing up-front pricing and affordable care to all patients. That means no hidden fees – ever. You know exactly what you’re paying for with no surprises. And if there’s ever a question, our team is always here to help.
In addition to never finding sneaky ways to charge you, our fees generally stay at the same rate. We haven’t and we’ll never raise our prices without letting you know first. There are some cases where the costs of supplies may increase our cost, but generally, your cost as the patient is going to stay the same.
All-Inclusive Treatment
After your initial treatment plan, you’ll be provided an estimate that includes ALL of your treatments. We never add on little extra expenses here and there. From day one, you’re going to know how much your treatment is going to cost from beginning to end. If the need for new treatments arises, those will be explained in the same way with a brand-new estimate that encompasses everything needed.
Affordable for All
We believe that quality, professional, and technologically advanced orthodontic care is a right – not a privilege only afforded to those with a lot of money. We pride ourselves on our affordable treatment, convenient payment options, straightforward financial information, and a commitment not to raise prices. And that should make you smile!
Care You Can Trust
We want our patients and their parents to be completely comfortable in our offices. That means never worrying that we’re trying to swindle or take advantage of you financially. It is our highest promise that we provide straightforward, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-afford care. It’s one of the things that sets us apart. You can count on it!
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment or a new patient appointment!
Even though it may seem like you’re in the dental exam chair a lot while you’re in braces (or clear aligners), seeing the orthodontist is not the same thing as seeing your regular dentist. Keep reading to find out why.
The Difference in an Orthodontist and Dentist
Both of these dental professionals play a big part in keeping mouths healthy and improving your oral health, but in different ways. A dentist covers a broad range of dental problems, specializing in teeth, gums, nerves, and jaws. A large part of general dentistry is treating or preventing tooth decay. Orthodontists are specialists who focus on correcting the alignment of teeth. This may include correcting bites, occlusion, and/or the straightness of one’s teeth.
Why See Both
While you’re wearing braces, it’s vitally important that you keep up with your regular dental checkups. Even though Dr. Cox went to dental school before diving into his specialty, your orthodontist appointments will not include a regular cleaning or an exam of the overall health of your teeth. Keeping up with your twice-a-year dental checkups while you’re in braces will allow for you to have your teeth professionally cleaned as well as check for tooth decay or other dental problems.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Braces and other orthodontic treatments play a big part in your overall dental health. But there is one potential drawback if you aren’t careful – brushing and flossing can be a bit more difficult with braces on. It’s a small risk, but one that doesn’t need to be ignored. Brackets and wires can make it hard to get food particles out from in between your teeth. Leaving food or sugar on your teeth for a prolonged time can lead to tooth decay or cavities. Keeping up with your dental appointments is the very best way to make sure that any problems are spotted early. Your general dentist is also able to spot any gum problems that an orthodontist isn’t looking for at your exam.
A Team Effort
Orthodontists and dentists work hand-in-hand to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. The goal of our entire team – and of good general dentist offices – is to always make sure our patients get a well-rounded approach to oral health!
Dr. Ryan Cox and the entire team are excited to announce that we’ve been voted best orthodontist in Rome, GA in the Best of Rome contest! We are also excited to announce that this is our 12th year in a row to receive this award and we are thankful for the support of our patients and their families. We would like to thank all of you for the continued love and support you've shown Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics.
Voted Best Orthodontist in Rome, GA
Our amazing orthodontist, Dr. Ryan Cox is passionate about serving the families of Rome and their smiles. Our team offers a variety of treatment options based on the individual needs of our patients. After your complimentary consultations, Dr. Cox will create a custom treatment plan just for you. Whether it's traditional braces, Invisalign, or clear braces, we will be there for you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Orthodontic Journey?
Are you ready to grow your confidence with a beautiful smile here at Pridemore & Cox Orthodontics? Click here to schedule your complimentary exam or give us a call at (706) 234-0877. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Even though it may seem like you’re in the dental exam chair a lot while you’re in braces (or clear aligners), seeing the orthodontist is not the same thing as seeing your regular dentist. Keep reading to find out why.
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