Thinking about Getting braces soon? Whether it’s for your child—or you just love reliving childhood awkward phases—you’ll want to hear this. Braces can be a game-changer… but only if you’re ready for what’s coming.
Here are 5 things to know BEFORE getting braces—and trust me, number 2 might make you rethink your snack drawer.
# 5. This next one is a lot like painting a wall.
You’d never paint over dirt, right? You clean the surface first so everything sticks.
It’s a really good idea to have a dental cleaning before getting braces. Your orthodontist needs a squeaky-clean surface for those brackets to stick properly. Think of it as giving your teeth a fresh canvas.
# 4. Now it doesn’t snow a lot in Texas, but when it does, we love to go play in it. But because we’re not used to it, it’s easy to forget this one essential thing – Chapstick!
You’re having a blast and don’t realize how dry your lips are getting… until it’s too late. Going to get your braces on believe it or not is the same thing. When braces go on, we use tools to keep your mouth open and your teeth bone-dry. Add cotton rolls, air blowers, cheek retractors… and suddenly your lips feel like dried-out sponges.
SO Bring lip balm. Chapstick will be your best friend—trust me. Some orthodontists have it, but don’t risk it. Bring your favorite brand and save your lips.
# 3. This one’s a lot like a stiff seatbelt on a long road trip.
At first, it feels fine—but after an hour, it starts digging into your neck and driving you crazy. You can’t just toss the seatbelt… So, what do you do, you got to add a little padding.
That’s what orthodontic wax is for.
After braces are placed, brackets and wires might rub against the inside of your cheeks. It’s not dangerous—it’s just really annoying. Wax is your buffer. Pop a little onto the trouble spots and boom—instant relief.
Check out the video I made about it:
Pro tip: Don’t just grab one pack. Keep extras around. You’ll thank me later.
# 2. Have you ever tried to go vegan? Well, this next point is just as intense
Suddenly, your favorite foods are off the table—and you didn’t even get to say goodbye.
I’m sad to say it, but with braces, be ready for major diet changes.
Sticky candies? Out.
Chewy gum? Gone.
Crunchy chips? Danger zone.
Even innocent apples and popcorn can snap brackets clean off. So, before braces go on, enjoy that last caramel chew, then start planning a braces-friendly menu. Cut your food into smaller pieces, stick to soft textures, and be gentle. Your brackets will appreciate it.
# 1. Is like driving a white car during bug season.
Every little fly that splats on your car’s grill becomes the literal hardest thing to clean in the universe. The longer you wait to scrub them off the more cemented into the grill they become.
That’s what brushing and flossing with braces is like.
Brushing and flossing are now harder—But also WAY MORE important.
Braces create tiny traps for food and plaque. It’s difficult to reach and If you’re not meticulous, you could end up with permanent stains or the dreaded – cavities! Invest in a proxy brush:
Floss threaders:
Or even a water flosser:
Make it part of your routine! If you’re a parent reading this, now’s a great time to start training your child on good oral habits. Their future smile depends on it!
Now—before you dive into brace life, let me hit you with something hardly anyone knows:
You can skip the headache and get Invisalign for kids, even as young as 6 years old! It’s called Invisalign First—and it eliminates the need for braces, expanders, or years of cranking metal.
Instead of 18 to 24 months in braces, many kids finish in just 6–8 months using comfortable, removable aligners.
And here’s the kicker: kids between ages 6 to 9 are in the perfect window. Their jawbone is still soft and moldable, making it the ideal time to fix crowding, bite issues, and more.
Want to see and hear more?
For a more interactive experience, check out the live YouTube version of this blog, where we dive deeper into the topic and share expert insights. Click the link below to watch the full video!
Don’t wait! Early Treatment to intercept these problems can mean the difference between a simple pain-free solution and years of complicated, costly and painful treatments later on.
FAITH
You are held, helped, and never forgotten by God.
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV): Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
