ADJUSTING TO A MOUTH FULL OF NEW HARDWARE: A DAILY TALE

The sticky food ban is the stuff of legends around here - my kid still asks about Skittles every single week. I totally relate to the “chew on the other side” trick, but honestly, it’s like those wires have a sixth sense for anything remotely chewy. The bracket-as-food-trap thing is so real; we once found a rogue piece of broccoli days after dinner. Not my proudest parent moment.

We did try the dental wax strips, especially in the early weeks when everything was new and sharp. They help, but yeah, half the time I’m convinced they just dissolve or vanish into thin air. My kid never seemed to notice if he swallowed them, so I guess no harm done?

About water flossers - oh man, it’s basically a bathroom car wash every night. I’ve tried a couple brands and even with the “gentle” setting, there’s still splash-back all over the mirror. Maybe it’s just part of the braces rite of passage? If anyone’s managed to keep things tidy, I’m all ears... for now we keep extra towels nearby and call it good enough.

About water flossers - oh man, it’s basically a bathroom car wash every night.

That’s such an accurate description. The splash-back is real. We ended up getting one of those collapsible silicone sink shields - meant for babies, I think? - and it actually helps keep the spray in check. It’s not perfect, but at least the mirror isn’t a total disaster every night. And yeah, dental wax just sort of... disappears. My kid never seemed bothered either, so I stopped stressing about it. Honestly, you’re doing great - braces are a whole new world for everyone involved.

The splash-back is real. We ended up getting one of those collapsible silicone sink shields - meant for babies, I think? - and it actually helps keep the spray in check.

That’s genius. I never thought to borrow from the baby aisle for dental stuff, but honestly, desperate times... I tried just aiming the water flosser at a downward angle and still managed to redecorate the bathroom wall more than once. At this point, I think my mirror has permanent water spots.

About the dental wax - does anyone else feel like it’s some kind of magic trick? My kid puts it on, and then poof, it’s gone by lunch. I used to stress about whether she was swallowing it or if it just evaporated into thin air. The ortho said not to worry unless she was eating it like candy (which, thankfully, she’s not), so I’ve mostly let that go.

I’m curious if anyone found a way to make brushing less of a production with braces. We tried those little interdental brushes, but my daughter says they feel weird and “poky.” She’ll use them if I remind her, but on her own... not so much. Is there something out there that doesn’t feel like you’re fencing with your teeth?

Also, does the soreness ever stop being a thing? Every adjustment week feels like we’re back at square one with the soft foods and soup routine. I remember having braces as a teen, but either my memory is fuzzy or I just blocked out all the annoying parts.

Anyway, props to everyone muddling through this. It really is a whole new world - one with way more toothpaste splatters than I ever imagined.

At this point, I think my mirror has permanent water spots.

Those water spots are basically a rite of passage, right? I’ve started keeping a microfiber cloth next to the sink just for the aftermath. As for the soreness, it really does get better over time - though, honestly, every adjustment still feels like a surprise attack on your mouth. For brushing, we switched to an electric toothbrush with an ortho head, and my son says it’s less “stabby” than the little brushes. Not perfect, but at least he doesn’t need a pep talk before brushing now.

every adjustment still feels like a surprise attack on your mouth.

Couldn’t agree more - my last adjustment had me questioning life choices for a solid 48 hours. The electric toothbrush definitely helps, but I’ll argue the wax is just as essential. Without it, those wires are like tiny cheese graters. Does anyone else feel like flossing with braces is some kind of cruel joke, or am I just missing a trick?