Living with braces: what you are not told (but that you will quickly understand)
Starting orthodontic treatment is a bit like starting a new relationship: you have to tame yourself, adapt, and accept a few small discomforts for a big better future.
Whether you wear classic braces, transparent braces or invisible aligners, one thing is certain: your everyday life will change… but not always in the way you imagine.
Here is a realistic, but reassuring, overview of what you will experience once the device is installed.
The first few days: welcome to your new mouth
Let’s be honest: the first few days can be a little confusing.
What you might feel:
-
Tension in the teeth (it moves, it’s normal)
-
A slight pain when biting (until it stabilizes)
-
Temporary lisping (especially with the gutters)
-
Small irritations on the tongue or cheeks (long live orthodontic wax!)
Tip : Eat soft foods (purees, compote, smoothies) for 2-3 days. And keep paracetamol on hand if needed.
The good news is that the body adapts quickly. After a week, most patients find their rhythm.
Eating with a Device: The Art of Reinventing Your Meals
It’s not that you can’t eat anything anymore. But you have to learn to eat differently.
To avoid (or adapt):
-
Bite into a whole apple: prefer slices
-
Popcorn, caramels, nuts: too risky
-
Sandwiches that are too crusty: cut, chew gently
Your new allies:
-
Rice, pasta, banana, cooked vegetables and more…
-
A pocket toothbrush (essential after each meal)
-
Containers for your gutters if you remove them
Interestingly, many patients are rediscovering a healthier diet (less snacking, more food awareness).
Talking, laughing, socialising: should we be ashamed of our brooches?
Absolutely not. But it takes a little time to adapt.
With visible pins :
-
You can feel observed… at first.
-
But a lot of people find it cool or “brave”.
-
Self-mockery is a powerful weapon: “Yes, I’m in a construction site version, but it’s temporary!”
With invisible aligners :
-
Almost no one notices.
-
Be careful, however, to articulate well for a few days.
“I made my first customer pitch with my aligners. No one noticed anything. It’s more in the head than anything else.”
Oral hygiene: we go up a level
With a device, the hygiene routine becomes non-negotiable :
-
Brush after each meal (at least morning and evening)
-
Use interdental brushes or a dental spray
-
Avoid sugary sodas or juices that are too acidic
Pro tip: Keep a hygiene kit in your bag, car, or desk drawer.
Yes, it requires a little more discipline. But after a few weeks, it becomes automatic and your teeth will thank you!!
In short: it’s a small “sacrifice” for a big change
Living with braces is not always comfortable. There are adjustments, small pains, moments when you doubt.
But it’s a parenthesis in your life… for a smile that will last a lifetime.
What we don’t tell you enough: the pride that comes with it
There’s something rewarding about seeing your teeth move. Every visit to the orthodontist, every before/after photo, every remark from a loved one becomes a motivation boost.
“It’s crazy how your smile has changed.”
“You did this for yourself, and it shows.”
Orthodontic treatment is also a process of self-care. And as the months go by, confidence grows.
And then? The stabilization phase (and the small fear of relapse)
Once the appliance is removed, it’s time for the restraint (night aligners, glued retention wire, etc.). This step is essential to maintain results.
A word of advice : don’t skip this phase. Otherwise, the teeth can move again, and everything would have to start over.
Other articles
Dental Diastema: Causes and Treatments
What is a dental diastema? Do you have a small gap between your two front teeth? Have you ever wondered if this is something to be corrected, or on the contrary, a character trait to keep? The dental diastema, this gap that divides as much as it fascinates, deserves a...
Dental Aligners (Price Everything You Need to Know)
Dental aligners: prices, options and advice to make a good choice Have you ever found yourself smiling in front of your mirror and telling yourself that a small adjustment would make all the difference? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of people dream of...
Halloween 2025 at Archambault Morton
Halloween 2025 Halloween like no other at the clinic! 🐾 This year, the Archambault & Morton team has transformed itself into a team of... pack of Dalmatians! 🐶 That's right, for Halloween, we've put on our best costumes inspired by the movie 101 Dalmatians – and...