Red And Black Braces? The 25 Correct Answer

Many holidays have distinctive colors – and what better way to celebrate the holidays than by sporting these seasonal colors on your suspenders!

For the winter solstice holidays, opt for green and red (Christmas), blue and gold (Hanukkah) or red, green and black (Kwanzaa). To celebrate spring, Easter or the solstice, opt for pastel shades like light blue and pink. For those wanting to go all out this Halloween, consider orange and black in October – or glow-in-the-dark for even more fun.

Want to dress up for the holidays with your smile? Try Christmas colors for your braces! There are a few different great ideas for celebrating the holidays with your braces’ elastic colors – and they’re all very popular during the holiday season!

“I always know that Christmas is just around the corner because everyone wants Christmas colors on their braces,” says Diamond Brace’s Registered Dental Hygienist Iryna Shpindler with a smile.

“Red and green are the most popular, but people get very creative with their rubber band ideas!”

Below are some fun color combinations to kick off the Christmas holiday season in style. Ask your orthodontist what colors they have to see if you can try each of these great seasonal styles.

Check out the full guide to Christmas suspender colors below.

The Christmas classic: red and green

Did you know that in 1931, Coca-Cola helped promote red and green, now classic Christmas colors? It’s been the go-to Christmas palette ever since, with the holiday season being dominated by everything red and green, from coffee mugs to sweaters – and suspenders, of course!

Alternate between bright red and hunter green elastics across the top and bottom rows of teeth for the classic look. Or, for a more striking look, color one entire row of teeth red and the other green.

The O Holy Night: Blue and Silver

For an elegant, holiday-ready holiday look, try an alternating palette of deep blue and silver. This color combination has the added benefit of making your teeth look whiter as deep blue tones enhance the natural white.

Pro tip: Avoid white or yellow rubber bands, as they can easily discolor or make your teeth look dull or stained. Silver stays shiny and bright, enhancing the appearance of the blue elastics for a festive, bright white smile.

The Christmas present: red and gold

Nothing says Christmas gift giving like a little sparkle! Gold-colored elastics look great against the bright metal of your braces’ bands and wires and are attractively contrasted with a deep red or maroon. To achieve the perfect Christmas cheer, alternate between deep red and gold and treat yourself to a dazzling holiday season!

Do braces change the shape of your face?

This is a frequently asked question, as is: Does Invisalign change the shape of your face?

It depends on.

Using braces or Invisalign to adjust the alignment of your teeth means that the overlying soft tissues — like your cheeks and lips — will adjust to the new alignment of your bite. This is why a person’s face sometimes looks “sunk” when they lose teeth. With braces, your face shape changes gradually. It is less obvious in adults, whose skeletal features are already fully developed.

During your orthodontic consultation, our Ottawa orthodontist, Dr. Charles Cohen, determine which areas, if any, might change once your teeth are properly aligned. In this way, dr. Cohen will give you an individually tailored answer to the question “do braces change the shape of your face”.

Do braces change the shape of your nose or make it bigger?

Some people want to know specific details such as B. “Do braces change the shape of your nose?”

No they don’t. Although braces can adjust the width of your upper jaw, they don’t reach into the structures that affect the shape and size of your nose.

However, if braces adjust your upper teeth and jaw enough to change the shape of your profile in that area, it could potentially make your nose appear to look slightly different, especially from the side.

For example, if the lips are brought more outward or inward, your entire face profile will be adjusted right next to your nose. As a side effect, it can create the illusion that your nose is changing shape.

Do braces make your nose bigger? No, but if they pull your upper teeth back a lot, the completed treatment might give the impression that your nose is more prominent than before. However, braces alone will not make your nose bigger.

Do braces change your lips and make them look bigger?

Yes, braces can change the position of your lips, but only to the extent that the teeth immediately behind change. It has nothing to do with braces changing your lips in terms of fullness or shape.

For example, if you have an underbite and we align your upper and lower front teeth properly, it can create the appearance of a fuller upper lip. If you have upper teeth that pop out and we bring them back a few millimeters it will also allow your lip to fall back a bit.

Your lips are a protective barrier over your smile. If you get hit in the mouth, they protect you from broken teeth. A treatment like Invisalign or traditional braces will only change the “base” on which your lips rest.

Side note: If you wear traditional braces with a bracket-and-wire system, you may temporarily notice that your lips look bigger. This is due to the extra width created between your teeth and lips. It’s not that your lips are bigger, but they may not be that far back on your teeth until the braces finally come off.

Do braces change your jawline?

if dr Cohen uses interceptive orthodontics (growth-modifying treatments, also known as orthopedics) on younger patients, then it’s possible that braces and other appliances can adjust the shape and size of your jaw.

But can braces alone transform your jaw when you grow up?

Little. The only way to significantly change your jawline as an adult would be through surgery. Such medical interventions are usually quite complex and are carried out in close cooperation between Dr. Cohen and an oral surgeon.

Will Invisalign change the shape of your face, nose, lips or jawline?

Invisalign may also change the position of your lips. But with Invisalign, there isn’t even a “buffer” between your teeth and your lips. So you won’t see any major changes in your lip size or profile throughout the process. However, Invisalign still has the ability to align your upper teeth, which can have a secondary impact on the appearance and side profile of your lips.

Because the clear aligners appear to have the least impact on your appearance and daily activities, most of our patients prefer them over traditional braces.

Ready for braces or Invisalign? What do you do next…

Understanding the delicate relationship between your facial features, your jaw and the position of your teeth is what makes orthodontic therapy such a complex service. Orthodontists like Dr. Charles Cohen consider your physical characteristics – such as your front and side profiles – when planning your treatment.

The first step to getting braces or Invisalign is to request a consultation at Braces Haven in Barrhaven. Upon arrival, we analyze your face and mouth – such as lips, chin, jaw, nose and teeth. That way, your personal orthodontic plan is one that benefits you overall. It comes down to more than just teeth!

Once we have established your goals for a smile, Dr. Cohen to determine what type of orthodontic treatment is best for your needs. You decide directly whether you get classic braces or Invisalign.

Use our form below to book your free consultation.

Posted on May 9, 2020 in Orthodontics

When patients think about orthodontic treatments, they are often preoccupied with some of the less appealing side effects. They are so concerned about how they will look and eat that they miss out on some of the positive aspects of braces.

The obvious side benefit of braces is that they leave you with a gorgeous smile. But there are a few other unexpected side effects that deserve some attention.

If your teeth are misaligned, you may be wondering if it’s severe enough to warrant treatment. In cases with only small imperfections, you may find it quicker and less invasive to examine veneers or composite bonds.

There are many different orthodontic treatments. Your dentist will describe all of the side effects you can expect, including what is normal and what is cause for concern. Below we’ve outlined some of the positive side effects that many orthodontic adults experience, and some of them are totally unexpected.

1. Improved oral hygiene

A large part of the success of any orthodontic treatment plan depends on your ability to take good care of your teeth and braces. That means brushing and flossing twice a day is a must. Many patients report that wearing braces gives them a new understanding of the importance of oral hygiene. Your mouth will be the healthiest it’s ever been, which means fresh breath and a bright smile. And many patients say this habit sticks with them for the rest of their lives.

2. Better digestion

Wearing braces means you need to be more careful and selective in your food choices. And if you’ve struggled with jaw alignment in the past, wearing braces could help you chew your food properly for the first time.

Proper chewing technique is essential to the digestive process. Chewing is the first step in a long digestive process, and getting this step right can help you extract more goodness from your food while also enjoying your food more. In extreme cases, wearing braces can help manage digestive problems.

3. Weight Loss

This is one of the most unexpected side effects of wearing braces. Some patients report weight loss as a result of better diet choices. When you wear braces, snacking between meals becomes a lot more tiring. This can make you give up unhealthy snacks between meals to keep your braces clean.

Even those with removable braces often report a change in their eating and snacking habits. Since you have to remove and rinse your clear aligners after every meal, you might find yourself skipping your 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. cookie breaks. Many also abstain from all beverages except water, which can help you reduce empty calories.

4. Break bad habits

There are many bad dental habits. From using your teeth as a multi-tool to biting your nails. But when you wear braces, you are more aware of your dental health. This might be enough to get you to give up those bad habits. Some people also find that braces help them quit smoking because they don’t want the nicotine to stain their aligners or brackets.

Getting a beautiful, straight smile with braces is a process. You are no doubt excited to see the end results as you attempt to keep your smile as cosmetically pleasing as possible until you reach the end of the journey. Luckily, when your braces are off and all the dental work is done, you’ll have a beautiful, natural, and functional smile that you can eagerly show off anytime, anywhere, but until then, what can you do? If you want to have fun with your braces or want your teeth to appear whiter during treatment, ask your orthodontist about colored bands… But which colored brackets are most effective?

What are color clips?

When someone refers to “colored brackets” they are usually referring to the colored bands. The bands are the little rubber bands that wrap around the clasps of your braces. They hold the wire in place over your teeth. These bands may seem like an overall aesthetic enhancement with no real purpose, but they actually play a vital role in setting your smile in the direction you want it to be. Plus, it’s fun to swap them out with a new color every time you make an adjustment to keep things fresh or even make your smile appear whiter.

How Ribbons Can Make Your Smile Look Whiter

Although the bands cannot actually whiten your teeth, they can make them appear whiter. To do this, ask your orthodontist for a dark color. Dark colors like dark blue or purple will contrast with the color of your teeth next to the brackets and make them appear whiter. Similar to the effect of red lipstick. However, too dark can have the opposite effect…

Be careful with black bands for braces

Black ribbons may seem like an ideal choice for making your smile appear white, but they can actually make the smile look dirty. The black replicates the look of food stuck between teeth or rotting, and this effect only gets worse over time as the bands age and fade. To make your smile appear white, go for a darker color without going too extreme.

Think you’re ready for colored braces? Book a consultation with Evolution Orthodontics in Dubbo or Blacktown to discuss your treatment options.

One of the most frequently asked questions about braces is whether they cause pain or discomfort when they are placed in place. The honest answer is that braces don’t hurt at all once they’re put on your teeth, so there’s no need to worry about the fitting appointment. After the orthodontic wire is placed in the newly placed brackets, you will experience mild pain or discomfort that can last from a few days to a week. Most patients experience some discomfort for the first 4 days to a week after having their braces, expanders, and/or wires fitted and after a wire fitting and/or activation appointment. Your lips and cheeks may need a week or two to adjust to the braces. All of the appliances and wires we use are state of the art and apply very light, continuous and biologically healthy forces that significantly reduce pain associated with orthodontic treatment. However, mild and rarely moderate discomfort can still be expected. Each person will gradually get used to the discomfort associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil/Motrin work well), which are typically taken for headaches, and strict treatment with salt water rinses can be used to greatly relieve the discomfort.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when you get braces:

day of placement

The insertion of the braces is not painful in the slightest. It may take longer to eat meals for the first few hours after the braces are put in, but this is mainly because it takes time to get used to wearing the braces and learning to chew with them. In some cases, the teeth may feel more sensitive than usual. For the first few days after braces are fitted, hard, hard-to-chew foods should be avoided in favor of a softer, more liquid diet (shakes, soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, etc.). Throughout the day you may experience slight discomfort as teeth move.

Two to three days after placement

The first few days after the braces are fitted can be a little uncomfortable. This is because the teeth are beginning the realignment process and are not used to the pressure of the archwire and elastic bonds. We provide and show you how to use relief wax/silicone to apply to the braces if needed. Wax/Silicone creates a smooth finish and soothes irritation on inner cheeks and lips. In addition, over-the-counter pain relievers (Ibuprofen, ie Motrin and Advil, usually work best when no allergies are present) can be taken in combination with a strict regimen of salt water flushing to reduce pain.

Five days after placement

After five days to a week, any initial discomfort associated with the braces should be gone or greatly improved. Teeth will gradually adjust to the braces and eating should be much easier. Certain hard foods can still pose a challenge for the wearer, but at that point normal eating can resume. Be sure to avoid all foods that are considered staple breakers!

Orthodontic Appointments

Regular orthodontic appointments are required to change the archwire, change the elastic (colors) or metal bands around the braces, make adjustments to the braces, and monitor the progress of orthodontic treatment. Braces work by gradually aligning teeth into new and proper alignment, so gentle activations can be applied at your regular fitting visits. The first few days after an orthodontic adjustment or when you get a new wire can be a little uncomfortable, but remember this discomfort wears off quickly.

dealing with discomfort

All orthodontic problems can be treated effectively. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, such as Motrin and Advil, tend to work best when allergies are not present) and orthodontic wax/silicone help relieve pain and discomfort after braces are placed and orthodontic fitting visits. If possible, start the pain reliever before the pain starts and continue every few hours (according to the manufacturer’s recommendations). Other effective and useful remedies include thorough salt water rinses (warm water combined with as much salt as you can tolerate, rinse 6-12 times a day) and chewing sugar-free gum, as this increases blood flow to the supporting structures surrounding the teeth, which helps orthodontic Reduce pain/discomfort and can also encourage teeth to move/align faster.

And remember that the pain you feel through braces is a crookedness that leaves your smile!!!

Maybe the dentist just told you that you need braces. That’s correct. You need braces! For some, those words could cause excitement. To others like yourself, these might be words you dreaded. If you’re an adult, you might think back to Marcia on The Brady Bunch trying to cope with getting braces first and saying, “Braces even ruin spaghetti.” Or if your kid just got those three dreaded words heard, it might think of Darla from Finding Nemo. The fish saw her as a hideous beast with a mouth full of metal. While these examples may be extreme thanks to advances in orthodontics that have made braces more comfortable and popular, there is still the inescapable reality that they must be worn. This leads us to a common question, “How long do I have to wear braces?” Let’s find out.

Because every patient is unique, the time it takes him or her to wear braces depends on a number of factors. Let’s look at three main factors that will determine how long it will take to achieve the perfect alignment of a winning smile.

Age. Children often see results faster than adults. Studies have shown that the earlier braces are fitted, the quicker the treatment takes.

The amount of correction required. The more shifts that are required, the longer it is likely to take. In addition, treatment times may vary depending on how quickly your body responds to treatment.

The type of braces chosen or needed. Treatment options vary based on the individual needs and circumstances of each patient. Decisions are made based on style, affordability, comfort, and other factors.

Here are three common types of braces:

Traditional metal clasps

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires with connecting elastics, all of which apply gentle pressure that gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position. This treatment method has proven reliable and effective for decades, and today’s metal braces are much more comfortable than ever.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic brackets are similar to traditional metal brackets in that they contain brackets and metal wires that allow teeth to adjust to their prescribed position over time. However, ceramic and clear braces are extremely unobtrusive as the braces are basically the same color as your teeth!

Invisalign treatment

Clear aligners like Invisalign are a series of nearly invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. We scan your teeth and then create a series of custom trays shaped to gradually straighten your teeth into a straighter smile.

Not only are the aligners clear and virtually invisible, they’re removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. Although we recommend wearing them for around 22 hours a day, they can be removed for big events and special occasions.

What you can expect

After examining your mouth, we take X-rays, photos and, if necessary, make plaster models of your teeth. These records help us estimate how long you will need to wear braces. It’s impossible to predict an exact timeline, but there are some general guidelines.

Most patients will need to wear fixed braces for around 18 to 24 months.

For issues that are more difficult to fix, or for our older patients, treatment can take up to three years.

If you have less serious problems or are a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign, treatment can last as little as 6 to 12 months.

The role you play

There is one way you can have some control over the length of your treatment plan – your cooperation! Your willingness to follow your orthodontist’s instructions at all times plays a large part in how long your treatment lasts. To avoid having to wear your braces longer than expected, follow these steps for best results:

Stick to all agreed appointments. If necessary, reschedule appointments as close to your original appointment as possible.

If you wear Invisalign aligners, do not remove them unless directed to do so.

If you have rubber bands on your braces or wear a hat at night, make sure you follow any instructions that have been given to you. This is very important to keep the process running.

If you play contact sports, we can provide you with a mouthguard. These protect your teeth and braces.

Avoid foods that could damage your braces. Hard and sticky foods are your temporary enemies! These types of treats can break or dislodge your braces or the wires that connect the braces.

Keep your teeth clean and healthy! This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people give up after a while. Follow the dental hygiene guidelines from our experienced team to avoid oral health issues that could result in you wearing braces longer.

“Keep” your results

A retainer is placed after the braces are removed and is an important addition to your orthodontic care. Old habits are hard to break. When the braces come off, the teeth happily return to their old position. A retainer helps maintain your new smile by giving your gums and jaw time to adjust to the new position of your teeth.

You’ll likely wear your retainer full-time for the first six months or so. If it is removable, we generally advise you to only take it out to eat, brush and floss. Don’t worry – we’ll let you know the second you can switch to wearing your retainer at night only!

Ready to start?

We hope that you will try orthodontic treatment. At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we are an experienced team passionate about smiling, and we look forward to discussing your options with you! Schedule your free consultation right here on our website and we will work to find an appointment that fits your schedule for this and all of your future appointments.

Between Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and more, there’s never been a better time to show off a fabulous photo. But can you still take a great picture with a metal brace in your mouth?

Of course you can!! This week we’re sharing 11 insider tips to help you get the perfect picture.

1) You can’t get a great picture without smiling

Trying to get the best picture without using your natural smile is like trying to stay out of the rain without an umbrella – it just won’t happen!

via GIPHY

The Blue Ridge Orthodontics team believes that it’s always the right time to embrace your look and smile.

2) Practice smiling with your new braces

If you are new to braces or are uncomfortable with the thought of smiling while wearing them, the best thing you can do is practice. Take some time in front of the mirror to put on a natural grin while keeping your back straight and head up. The more comfortable you are with the position, the more likely you’ll be using it for those Kodak moments, and that gives you a chance to get comfortable with your best angles. Try smiling “softly” to look more appealing.

3) Work on your flexibility and control

If you don’t think about it, a smile can be as natural as you blink, but trying to recreate a Duchenne smile is often achieved through the perfect balance of flexibility and control. Think of a reminder that really makes you smile and become familiar with which parts of your face are affected.

A good exercise is to keep your mouth closed and stretch the corners in both directions until you feel your cheek muscles tighten. Practice this pose every week for better facial muscle control.

4) Avoid flash photography

Ask any photographer and they will tell you the same thing: natural light is best when trying to take a selfie, and flash should be avoided as much as possible. Pros rely on gear to spread a flash evenly, but a regular camera or phone doesn’t have that ability, and their flash only enhances the lines around your mouth and teeth. It is best to rely on sunlight for a more natural look!

5) Wear the right lipstick

It’s no secret why lipstick has always been at the forefront of every major beauty movement: it can vastly improve your overall appearance and even make your teeth look brighter. However, make sure to find the right shade for your skin tone or you risk washing out. Shades based on blues or pinks, such as cerise, plum, wine, or rose are usually the best choices as they will balance out the yellow stains on your teeth.

6) Be sure to brush your teeth and braces beforehand

While wearing braces, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal, but why not take it a step further and buff away the pearly whites before each photo op? While it doesn’t make much of a difference, you’ll feel more comfortable and at ease knowing nothing will get caught in your braces.

7) Don’t forget to clean your gums too

Ah, the gums! I’m sure your orthodontist has said it a million times, but gums should never be ignored, and that’s especially true when you’re wearing gear. Healthy gums are the secret to a beautiful smile for years to come. Get in the habit of taking dental floss with you everywhere and be sure to use it! It gives you security and guarantees a happy smile.

8) Practice your posture

A simple trick to looking good in photos actually has nothing to do with your smile — standing up straight will instantly improve your overall demeanor and make you look comfortable and confident. The problem is that for most of us, good posture isn’t our state of rest. Take an extra moment in front of the mirror to practice how you stand and try to do this frequently throughout the day. When it’s time for the camera, turn your head and lower your chin a little so your face isn’t directly on the lens.

9) Don’t shy away from the camera

If you take away just one of these tips today, we hope it’s this one — always face the camera and smile if someone decides to take a picture of you. It’s easy to be overly critical of yourself at first, but you’ll be happier to have these memories the older you get. Looking into the camera also makes you appear friendlier, which enhances the photo as a whole.

10) Smile with your eyes

Tyra Banks put it best: “The key to modeling is nailing the technique of ‘smize’ or smiling with your eyes. And it’s not just celebrities who advocate this, psychologists have found that every genuine smile involves some sort of contraction in the muscles around the eyes.

via GIPHY

This is often referred to as the “Duchenne smile” and is a mechanism most people are unaware of, but using it when you smile will give your face a much more authentic expression of joy and happiness.

11) Steal this tried and true celebrity smile trick

The perfect smile you see on the red carpet didn’t happen overnight. While there are a number of tricks celebrities use to create gorgeous smiles, there’s just one we’ve found flawless: find your best self and pose it against the light. Most people have asymmetrical faces, so finding your better side (the one with fewer wrinkles or larger facial features) is a must if you want consistently good photos. Once you know which one works best for you, it will be much easier to strike a pose that you’re happy with whenever the moment calls for it.

We hope this post has made you feel more confident about how you look in photos, but at the end of the day, how you feel really counts. A happy mood will shine through every picture. Whether you’re on a dream vacation or rocking adult braces, remember to smile! You deserve it.

Mild pain or discomfort is a normal side effect of wearing braces. However, you should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. Symptoms usually go away within four days, and brace pain rarely lasts more than a week.

When you first get braces, it’s also common to experience pain in your cheeks for about a week. Fortunately, adjustments shouldn’t make this type of discomfort worse.

Read on to learn more about finding braces pain relief at home. Then schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist in Oakbrook, IL.

Why do braces hurt?

To realign your smile, braces put stress on your teeth. This pressure often makes your teeth and gums sensitive. You may also feel pain in your cheeks for a short time after the initial placement. Most types of braces are designed to relieve pain as much as possible, but they can still rub against your cheeks and cause pain or even small cuts.

Why do rubber bands on braces hurt so much?

Orthodontists often add rubber bands to braces to put extra pressure on your teeth. Just like the wires that connect your braces, this pressure can be painful. As with any change, it’s only painful at first. After a few days, your mouth will get used to the extra pressure and the pain will subside.

How to relieve braces pain at home

If your braces are bothering you, there are a number of simple tricks you can use to get some relief.

Eat soft foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, and soup provide the nourishment you need without putting extra strain on your teeth. Better yet, treat yourself to a bowl of ice cream! If you’re not temperature sensitive, the cold can help reduce inflammation.

Ice your gums

Ice packs provide the same benefits as cold foods. Simply place a towel-covered ice pack on the outside of your mouth for 20 minutes. The cold is said to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Take painkillers for braces

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil can provide lasting relief from all types of braces pain. Oral anesthetics like Orajel are another good option. Simply apply the gel to teeth and gums with your finger or a cotton swab.

Use wax

If your brackets and wires are irritating your cheeks, orthodontic wax might be the solution you need. The soft barrier between your braces and the rest of your mouth is a great way to avoid cuts and irritation. Just make sure you remove the wax before eating or brushing your teeth, then reapply when you’re done. And while you should avoid swallowing the wax, it’s non-toxic.

Having braces can be a pain both literally and figuratively. Fortunately, most people only notice mild discomfort for a few days after tightening their braces. Resting your teeth on soft foods like mashed potatoes and ice cream can greatly reduce the pain. And drugs like Advil and Orajel are there to help when you need them.

Schedule an orthodontic consultation in Oakbrook, IL

If you have additional questions about orthodontic treatment, contact the experts at Oakbrook Orthodontics. We would be happy to address your concerns and put your mind at ease when it comes to braces. Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible while we work to give you the smile you’ve always wanted! We are the best orthodontists in Oakbrook, IL.

Call us today at (630) 705-7900 to speak to our orthodontic team.

It is common for children and adults to experience mild discomfort or tooth sensitivity when they first wear braces. Your gums can be a little sensitive for a few weeks, which means you may need to make some dietary changes. We understand this challenge!

The initial tenderness is part of the process of getting a perfect smile. The good news? The sensation won’t last too long, I promise!

We get a lot of questions from our patients so we’ve compiled them with the following information so you know what to expect in the first week of wearing braces and what foods we recommend.

Why do braces hurt at first?

Over time, braces gradually align your teeth and jawbones by applying pressure. Although this pressure is gentle, it is constant. This can cause the gums to feel sore and the teeth to become slightly more sensitive. Many patients experience this pain when they first get braces and sometimes after fitting appointments.

It is normal for patients to experience:

The feeling of pressure in your gums and teeth

Minor abrasions in your cheeks caused by the newly placed braces in your mouth – (see these top 5 ways to deal with mouth sores!)

Cuts on the tongue

How long will the symptoms last?

The good news is that initial sensitivity only lasts about a week or two after you first get braces. However, you may need to change your diet during this introductory period.

Foods to eat in the first week of wearing braces

Wondering what to eat in the first week with braces? We recommend eating soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Here is a list of foods we recommend our patients to eat for the first week of braces.

eggs

oatmeal

smoothie

Cold drinks

yogurt

Noodles and Noodles

Soup

Mashed potatoes

soft fruits

jello

For younger patients, we also recommend parents pack a lunch with these soft foods to eat with braces for school-age children.

to avoid foods

In general, the following foods should be avoided. It can be easy to avoid these for the first week if your teeth are still sore, but try to avoid these foods as much as possible during your treatment as well. These foods can damage your brackets or wires.

nuts

Hard Candy

Chewy foods like gum and toffee

Popcorn

bagels

Hard pizza crust

Frequently asked questions we receive

Q. How long after getting braces can you eat normal or solid food?

A. The time it takes to adjust to the pressure exerted by the braces varies from patient to patient. Some may get used to the feeling in a few days, while others may take a week. Returning to a normal diet — which is also “braces friendly” — can take a week on average.

Q. Besides eating soft foods, is there anything else I can do for the pain?

A. For patients with moderate symptoms, an over-the-counter pain reliever can be taken. Try gargling some warm salt water to relieve discomfort too!

Q. How do I properly care for the braces in the first week?

A. Proper care of braces should continue well beyond the first week and be a committed effort throughout the course of treatment. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal and regular dental cleanings.

A beautiful smile is worth it

Braces can help patients experience the smile and confidence they’ve always dreamed of. While they may cause a little discomfort at first, it will wear off quickly. A week of mild muscle soreness is worth a lifetime of trust!

Do you have anymore questions?

Do you have anymore questions? We want to hear them! We’re here to answer all of your questions about traditional braces, retainers, or Invisalign clear aligners. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

If you’re ready to get started, request your free consultation today.

Best food with braces & cooking tips

Give up gummy bears? Put away the popcorn? No more nuts?

If you’re thinking about getting braces, or have already made the decision to improve your smile (kudos to you!), you’re probably concerned about which foods you can and can’t eat.

Good news: There are countless foods that are “braces friendly” that you can continue to eat and enjoy during your orthodontic treatment. And yes, there are also some foods that you must avoid. But isn’t a healthy, confident smile worth temporarily forgoing some of your favorites? Most of our patients would say that this is absolutely the case.

We hope you take this opportunity to learn what to eat and drink with braces, some cooking tips, and what to look forward to when your treatment is complete (Laffy Taffy, anyone?).

When you first get braces

As with any adjustment in life, the first few days are the hardest. If you get braces, your mouth will likely be sensitive in the days after your first appointment, so soft foods are best for you to start with. When in doubt, anything that’s easy to chew is a good choice – hello mac n’ cheese!

Some ideal foods to eat right after braces (and for the rest of your treatment) are:

oatmeal

scrambled eggs

soups

pasta

seafood

soft vegetables

Mashed potatoes

soft cheese

bananas

yogurt

There are several “safe” foods to enjoy during treatment that may cause sensitivity in the first few days. Some foods to avoid if you have tooth sensitivity are:

ice cream (brrrr!)

Spicy foods

citrus fruits

Chewy bread or bun (cut into small pieces)

Chewy pieces of meat (cut into small pieces)

Luckily, once your teeth adjust to the braces, you can enjoy these foods again.

Foods that should be banned with curly braces

Now let’s get the not-so-fun part out of the way! In an ideal world, you could eat and drink anything you wanted with braces on. But there are certain foods you have to say goodbye to during the treatment – namely anything that is hard or sticky. These foods can damage your wires or bands, or even cause a bracket to detach from a tooth.

Some foods to avoid completely with braces are:

Hard Candy

Sticky sweets like jelly beans or toffee

Popcorn

nuts

Hard pretzels or chips

Crunchy vegetables or fruit

pizza crust

bagels or buns

Ice

The best foods for your (soon to be) bright smile

There are so many great foods you can eat with braces that you might not even miss the others! The American Association of Orthodontists encourages you to enjoy a variety of healthy and easy-to-chew foods during orthodontic treatment.

In addition to the foods you can eat right after braces, a more complete list of some ideal foods for braces includes:

Dairy:

yogurt

milk

pudding

cottage cheese

ice cream

Bread and Cereals:

oatmeal

pancakes and waffles

Muffins (without nuts)

Macaroni and Cheese

spaghetti

Cooked rice

Meat and Proteins:

Shredded Chicken

meatloaf

meatballs

lunch meat

fishes

eggs

fruits, vegetables:

bananas

applesauce

watermelon

Grapes

Mashed potatoes

Boiled Beans

Steamed vegetables

Miscellaneous:

casseroles

Sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly

jello

soups

Grilled Cheese

And thats just the beginning! We encourage you to consider this experience as an ideal time to branch out and try different foods. Who knows, you might end up finding some new recipes that will stay on your menu long after your braces come off.

Cooking and preparation tips

Our best cooking advice is quite simple: keep it soft. Soft-boiled meats, rice, potatoes, and vegetables can all be safely enjoyed with braces. A crockpot or instant pot can be extremely helpful when preparing braces-friendly meals. You should also:

Cut sandwiches and crunchy fruit, vegetables or bread into bite-sized pieces

Cut the crust off a slice of pizza before you eat it (be sure to use your molars when chewing)

Never eat boneless meat

Don’t forget drinks

Smoothies and healthy shakes are also great alternatives for people with braces. Be sure to limit your consumption of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky film that coats teeth (also known as plaque). Brushing your teeth can remove plaque, but that’s more difficult with braces — putting you at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. Tap water and milk are always the best drinks for braces.

i want sweets

Perhaps this is the best news of all – while hard and gooey candy must be avoided, there are some types of candy you can still eat while wearing braces. (Let’s admit it, we all need a chocolate fix every now and then!)

Some sweet treats to enjoy in moderation are:

Chocolate (no caramel or nuts)

Peanut Butter Cup

3 Musketeers and Kit Kat bars

Marshmallows

Soft biscuits

Take care of your braces and take care of yourself

The Kristo Orthodontics team supports you at every step of your orthodontic treatment. Learn more about our care and maintenance tips or give us a call if you have any questions about your braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Together we ensure that your treatment runs smoothly from start to finish.

One of the most important decisions is what color you choose for your braces. Below we will discuss what factors to consider when choosing the best paints. The right tone can brighten your smile and make you feel more confident. However, not every palette or shade is right for every person. It would be a good idea to consider several factors such as skin color, eye color, hair color, personality and what appeals to you when choosing the best braces color for you. The most popular colors for braces are blue, green and clear. However, many other options are available if these colors don’t suit you.

Which color clasps are the most attractive? Which color clasps are the most attractive?

When it comes to the most popular braces, guys tend to go for darker shades of blue and green, while girls tend to go for lighter shades of these colors, as well as pink or light purple. Users chose these colors because they look natural and suit different skin tones and hair colors. However, they may not be the best choice for everyone. For example, if you have a darker skin tone or darker hair color, you can choose a lighter color like pink or orange. The best way to find the right color is to experiment with different ones until you find one you like. You can also ask your orthodontist for their opinion on which color best suits your skin tone and hair color.

What is the worst color for braces?

Yellow braces are definitely the worse, they make your teeth look dirty. Additionally, clear and white braces tend to turn yellow soon after wearing. People usually choose sheer or white because they think it’s the most invisible, but it can also be the least flattering. White braces make your teeth look yellow, and after some use, they will turn yellow themselves. Clear braces have the same problem, they look nice at first but quickly turn yellow after you’ve had a coke or juice. If you’re considering clear or white braces, be sure to avoid stains by using a straw when sipping your favorite beverage and brushing your teeth after each meal.

What are the best colors for braces to make your teeth look whiter?

The best colors for braces to whiten your teeth are generally light blue and pink. These colors contrast with your teeth and make them appear brighter. However, you should avoid going for a color that is too light or too dark as it may not be flattering. Therefore, light shades of blue are the best colors for people with lighter skin tones and dark shades of pink for people with darker skin tones.

Which color clips match my eye color?

There is no single answer to this question as the best color for braces depends on your eye color. However, some general guidelines can help you choose the right color. If you have light eyes, you can choose a light or bright color like blue or pink. If you have dark eyes, you can choose a dark or muted color like green or brown.

What should be considered when choosing the colors of my braces?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the colors of your braces.

First, it would be helpful to consider how noticeable you want your braces to be. If you don’t want them to stand out, black might be the color for you. Alternatively, if you want your braces to contrast with your skin tone or hair color, you can choose a lighter color.

Another crucial factor is the best colors for braces, which will make your teeth appear whiter. If you want to whiten your teeth, you should choose a color that contrasts with your tooth color. For example, blue and white are good choices if you have very light eyes, while dark pinks and greens are best for those with dark eyes.

Finally, when choosing the colors of your braces, you should also consider your eye color. If you have light eyes, choose a light or light color, and if you have dark eyes, choose a dark or muted color.

Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing the colors of your braces, picking a color that you like should be easy. However, remember that you need to try different colors until you find the one that best suits your skin tone, hair color, and eye color. You may also want to ask your orthodontist for their opinion on the best shades for you.

Many teens who wear traditional metal or clear braces take the opportunity to spice up their orthodontics with multicolored rubber bands. Almost every time you visit your orthodontist and have your braces tightened, you get new elastics, which means you have the opportunity to change your color scheme multiple times over the life of your braces.

The meaning of color

The color of your braces is an important way to express yourself, show off your creative side, and make wearing braces more fun than it might otherwise be. Patients choose their colors to match the clothing they wear to represent their favorite sports team or to be festive and celebrate an upcoming holiday.

There is a science and psychology to color, and depending on your unique personality traits, you may be attracted to some colors over others. Here’s what your color choice might say about you (but it’s also okay to just like a color and choose it for your braces for no real reason):

Red: Red is a charged color, the hue of passion, fire, and heat. The choice of this color shows intensity, but also caring. Or maybe you just love hearts and/or Red Hots candies (which you shouldn’t eat with braces).

Red is a charged colour, the hue of passion, fire and heat. The choice of this color shows intensity, but also caring. Or maybe you just love hearts and/or Red Hots candies (which you shouldn’t eat with braces). Orange: Orange and uniqueness go hand in hand. Only the most creative and courageous patients choose orange for their braces. Although it’s great for everyone, especially around Halloween time and in the fall.

Orange and uniqueness go hand in hand. Only the most creative and courageous patients choose orange for their braces. Although it’s great for everyone, especially around Halloween time and in the fall. Yellow: joy, happiness, brightness – yellow is everything positive. But it also depends on energy and intellect. Many people choose yellow to match their sunny disposition or simply to draw attention.

Joy, happiness, brightness – yellow is everything positive. But it also depends on energy and intellect. Many people choose yellow to match their sunny disposition or simply to draw attention. Green: If you care about nature, green rubber bands show your love for Mother Earth. This shade is also associated with growth and stability. Warning: Green rubber bands can sometimes look like food is stuck between your teeth, so choose your shade of green carefully or mix it with another color.

If you care about nature, green rubber bands show your love for Mother Earth. This shade is also associated with growth and stability. Warning: Green rubber bands can sometimes look like food is stuck between your teeth, so choose your shade of green carefully or mix it with another color. Blue: Known as the color of calm and healing, blue is a sign of calm. This color also indicates that someone has a cool head and tends to be serious. It’s a great color to pair with a bright elastic (hello yellow or orange) to tone down the drama.

Known as the color of calm and healing, blue is a sign of calm. This color also indicates that someone has a cool head and tends to be serious. It’s a great color to pair with a bright elastic (hello yellow or orange) to tone down the drama. Purple: Purple has so many associations – passion, royalty, creativity, mystery. This is a common choice for people who love art, and it’s a mix of red and blue, which is a great combination.

Purple has so many associations – passion, royalty, creativity, mystery. This is a common choice for people who love art, and it’s a mix of red and blue, which is a great combination. Black: The color black has a bad rap on the color wheel, but it’s also a royal, mysterious, and elegant color. If you are bold and have a strong sense of style, black rubber bands can work for you.

The color black has a bad rap on the color wheel, but it’s also a royal, mysterious, and elegant color. If you are bold and have a strong sense of style, black rubber bands can work for you. White: Innocence and cleanliness are typically associated with the color white. Some patients want to choose this shade for their rubber bands because they think it will blend in with their teeth and be less noticeable. In reality, white rubber bands can actually stand out more. They can become slightly discolored by eating or drinking certain foods.

Get braces that match your personality

Your choice for your rubber bands is up to you. Go for one color each, choose an alternating combination, get a rainbow or ask your orthodontist to surprise you. Orthodontics is serious work, but who says it can’t be fun? It’s a great way to experiment and show off your personality from month to month. And remember, if you don’t like what you’ve chosen, it’s only a few weeks before you can see your orthodontist and change your rubber bands again.

Learn more about braces and what can work for you. Make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Soleil Roberts at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville.

Getting a beautiful, straight smile with braces is a process. You are no doubt excited to see the end results as you attempt to keep your smile as cosmetically pleasing as possible until you reach the end of the journey. Luckily, when your braces are off and all the dental work is done, you’ll have a beautiful, natural, and functional smile that you can eagerly show off anytime, anywhere, but until then, what can you do? If you want to have fun with your braces or want your teeth to appear whiter during treatment, ask your orthodontist about colored bands… But which colored brackets are most effective?

What are color clips?

When someone refers to “colored brackets” they are usually referring to the colored bands. The bands are the little rubber bands that wrap around the clasps of your braces. They hold the wire in place over your teeth. These bands may seem like an overall aesthetic enhancement with no real purpose, but they actually play a vital role in setting your smile in the direction you want it to be. Plus, it’s fun to swap them out with a new color every time you make an adjustment to keep things fresh or even make your smile appear whiter.

How Ribbons Can Make Your Smile Look Whiter

Although the bands cannot actually whiten your teeth, they can make them appear whiter. To do this, ask your orthodontist for a dark color. Dark colors like dark blue or purple will contrast with the color of your teeth next to the brackets and make them appear whiter. Similar to the effect of red lipstick. However, too dark can have the opposite effect…

Be careful with black bands for braces

Black ribbons may seem like an ideal choice for making your smile appear white, but they can actually make the smile look dirty. The black replicates the look of food stuck between teeth or rotting, and this effect only gets worse over time as the bands age and fade. To make your smile appear white, go for a darker color without going too extreme.

Think you’re ready for colored braces? Book a consultation with Evolution Orthodontics in Dubbo or Blacktown to discuss your treatment options.

Do you have braces? You are likely to choose different colored bands every time you visit the orthodontist, especially if you are a child. Whether basing your decision on school spirit, your favorite sports team, or outfit coordination, choosing the right color combinations is always fun. Which color will you choose? Every color means something… what does it mean to you?

Blue: You are cool, calm, and collected with a laid-back attitude. Because blue is the color of the sky and sea, it represents depth and stability, but it can also indicate loyalty, wisdom, trust, intelligence, and faith. Wearing blue ribbons means you are confident to take on the world!

Red: You are an emotionally intense person who is also forward thinking. You don’t shy away from any challenge and have a lot of energy. Red symbolizes courage, danger, strength, power, love and determination. Just look at any national flag. Many are the color red, signifying courage in war.

Green: As with a traffic light, you are always on the move. Green represents hope, happiness, spring, generosity, growth and harmony. Green is associated with safety, stability and endurance. Different shades of green mean different things. For example, dark green is associated with ambition and money, while olive green is associated with peace.

Orange: Orange is a special color that combines the cheerfulness of yellow and the energy of red as it symbolizes sunshine, enthusiasm, creativity, success and encouragement. You have a great personality and love to be friends with everyone with a high level of energy to boot!

Purple: If you choose purple, you are probably very creative. Purple has always symbolized royalty, wealth, wisdom, dignity, mystery and even magic. You are a lateral thinker and you don’t care what others think because you are your own leader.

Yellow: This color is all about sunshine, happiness, energy and warm feelings. You are a happy person, demand attention and love life. They are also allowed to be spontaneous, carefree, childlike and cheerful. Like green, different shades of yellow evoke different feelings. For example, dull yellow is a sign of caution or jealousy, while bright yellow is a sign of intellect and joy.

White: A symbol of purity, cleanliness, innocence, and goodness, white is a positive color that indicates perfection. The opposite of the darkness of black, white is the color of faith and purity.

Black: Evil…mystery…power…elegance…these are all words to describe the color black. Representing strength and authority, black is also the sign of mourning, but it can also convey power and formality.

Maybe you always gravitate towards one color for your ribbons, or maybe you like to change them up every time depending on your mood at the moment. Once you start combining colors things can get really crazy! Whatever the case, enjoy flaunting your personality every time you smile.

Choosing colors for braces can be a really fun part of treating a patient, but it can also be confusing for someone new to the process. Which colors will look best? Are there colors to avoid? We like to think that the colors for your braces are an added accessory to your everyday look and can be one of the most exciting parts of your appointment! We understand that choosing a good color for your braces can be quite a daunting task. Fear not, Dudley Smiles is here to help! Let’s take a look at some of the tips and tricks for choosing the right color for you!

How to choose the best color of braces

We know how many patients worry about choosing the best color of braces for themselves. The good news is that there is no one right color for braces! This choice is entirely yours and can be tailored to suit your style. There are a number of colors to choose from, and most orthodontists will let you choose multiple colors at once. We know that can sound a little overwhelming, so here are some ideas to get you started:

Colors based on traits

Choosing colors based on your natural looks is always a safe option. You may want to choose a color based on your eyes, whether you want to match the color or choose a complementary one. Blue and green eyes mix easily, and if you have brown eyes, earthier colors like dark green or blue can be a great complement. You can also choose your colors based on hair color and skin tone. Darker skin and hair look best with spot colors like turquoise, emerald, violet, navy blue, and pink. Pastel and neon colors can also provide excellent contrast. Lighter skin and lighter hair look best with light or dark colors, like pink, light blue, navy, dark green, dark red, purple, or even bronze.

colors by style

Another idea for choosing colors is to choose from a few that reflect the colors you already wear. If you wear brighter colors, you can choose from bright pinks, reds, blues, and greens to complement your everyday outfits. If you wear more muted colors, choosing colors like navy, light blue, and pink will suit your style rather than clash with it. If you don’t typically stick to a color palette in your wardrobe, here are some smaller things you can match your suspender colors to:

your favorite pair of shoes

Your favorite hat or hair accessory

Your favorite eyeshadow color

Your favorite nail polish color

Colors that mean something!

Braces are temporary, and you may want to choose colors that mean something important to you at this time in your life. Many of our younger patients like to choose their school colors for their braces. If you play a school sport during a certain season, you can match the colors of your suspenders to your school colors for the duration of that season to show your team spirit! You can also choose colors based on your favorite sports team! With fall just around the corner, many of our patients choose their colors based on their favorite football teams. At Dudley Orthodontics, we love having the opportunity to meet other Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners fans! Both the Seahawks (navy blue, lime green and silver) and the Mariners (navy blue, green and silver) have great color combinations to choose from! If you’re a member of a special organization or support a cause this can also be a great way to choose your colors. Choosing colors based on something you care about also has the added benefit of giving you a chance to speak up about your cause! Perhaps you feel passionate about a cause like the Alzheimer’s Association and choose dark purple to show your support.

holiday mood

Nothing says festive like festively coordinated suspenders! This can be a fun way to show your love for a specific holiday celebrated in the month that you choose these colors. Here are some fun holiday coloring ideas:

Halloween is here before you know it and there are many ways to celebrate the day. You can choose colors like black and orange or even match the colors of your suspenders with the costume you will be wearing. Halloween is another fun opportunity to try glow-in-the-dark ribbons for your trick-or-treating night!

Red and dark green are a nice way to spread the Christmas spirit in December.

Spread the love by wearing red, pink or purple in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Easter is a great holiday for pastels, and these colors suit almost everyone. Light blue, pink, green and purple are great ideas for this season.

It’s easy to light up the 4th of July with the classic combination of red, white and blue.

Not all colors are the same

Perhaps the most stressful part of choosing a color is trying to avoid the “wrong” colors. While we don’t believe there are no “wrong” colors, there are certain shades that you may steer clear of.

Clear bands can be a good option for anyone who wants to take a more subtle approach with their braces. Unfortunately, clear bands can appear slightly different over time. This can happen, for example, if food gets stuck between the bracket and the tooth. Drinking sodas and coffee can also cause clear-band stains. However, if you take care of your teeth and follow the instructions of Dr. By following Dudley, you can prevent some of these problems.

Choosing white as the primary color might seem like a good idea, but for some patients it can actually bring out the yellow undertones in their teeth. This can also be the case with gold and yellow. The good news is that combining these colors with other colors can significantly reduce the effect they have on duller teeth. On the other hand, darker colors like dark blue, green, and purple can actually make teeth look whiter, so combining darker colors with lighter ones can solve this problem.

Whatever colors or combinations you choose, colored ribbons are a unique and fun way to express your creativity! And if you decide you don’t like your color choices, you can always change them the next time you visit. Whether you choose more muted colors or opt for the brightest shades we offer, Dudley Orthodontics has all the options you could want! If you’re still stuck, our friendly staff will be happy to help you choose a color combination that suits you and your personality. Visit one of our offices in Issaquah or Kent or contact us for more information.