Life with Braces Near You
If you've just started wearing braces, congratulations! You are on your way to having a beautiful, straight smile that you'll be proud to show off to the world. In the meantime, living with your orthodontic appliances may take a little getting used to — particularly during the first week. But after that, it really does get better! Here are some tips for adjusting to life with braces in Bellevue.
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Managing Discomfort
When your braces first go on, you may experience two different types of discomfort: an overall soreness (this may also occur after routine tightening of orthodontic wires) and some irritation from the wires and brackets themselves. The general soreness should start to go away in a few days. In the meantime, a warm, wet compress held to the jaw can be soothing. Over-the-counter pain-relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may also be helpful. During the first few days, try eating a softer diet of foods like oatmeal, pasta and soup.
If braces irritate your lips or cheeks, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp wires or brackets. Discomfort usually fades as your mouth adjusts. Rinsing with warm saltwater can help soothe irritation. If needed, call our office to clip any bothersome wires.
Eating With Braces
As you adjust to eating with braces, instinct will tell you which foods to avoid. These include things that are hard, sticky, crunchy or require biting into — like bagels, carrots and corn on the cob. However, there's no reason to give up healthy foods you love. Fruits and vegetables can be cut into smaller pieces, blended into smoothies, or softened in cooking to avoid causing damage to your braces.
Avoiding sugary foods and drinks is always a good idea for oral health, but it's even more critical when you're wearing braces near you. That's because keeping your teeth clean can be more challenging with those brackets and wires in place. If particles of sugary foods like donuts or candy become trapped in your braces, or if plaque builds up on tooth surfaces you can't reach, tooth decay can quickly result.
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Protecting Your Smile
Avoiding difficult foods and cleaning your teeth daily will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy as your smile is transformed. However, if you regularly participate in sports, here's another important tip: wear a mouthguard! This not only helps protect your braces from breakage, but it can also protect the soft tissues of your mouth from additional trauma. We can have a custom mouthguard made for you — ask!
Feel free to call us if you need further advice or troubleshooting. And please remember: Wearing braces in Bellevue is a temporary phase that gets easier with each passing week. When your braces come off and you see your new smile for the first time, you'll be glad you hung in there!
Jaw Surgery &
Complex Orthodontic Cases
In more severe orthodontic cases involving jaw misalignment, orthagnathic-surgical treatment may be necessary to achieve proper bite function and facial balance. At Dr. Seely Orthodontics, Dr. Seely personally performs all advanced treatment simulations using state-of-the-art digital tools to plan each step with precision.She works closely with trusted oral surgeons to coordinate jaw surgery, using these detailed simulations to guide treatment and ensure predictable, natural-looking results. This hands-on approach allows for a higher level of customization and confidence—so patients know they’re in expert hands every step of the way.
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Treating the Face
Dr. Seely's treatment philosophy centers around facial harmony. From airway support to jaw alignment, our care is designed to enhance both the appearance and function of your entire face—not just the teeth.
At Dr. Dona Seely Orthodontics, we treat the whole person behind the smile. Whether you're seeking help for jaw discomfort, bite issues, or early intervention for your child, our advanced and personalized care is here to help you thrive.
Whole-Face Orthodontics
by Dr. Dona Seely
Ready to treat more than just your teeth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dona Seely Orthodontics in Bellevue and discover a personalized approach to airway health, jaw alignment, and facial balance.
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