life with braces

Your complete guide to thriving during orthodontic treatment and making the most of your smile journey

Embrace Your Orthodontic Journey

Getting braces marks an exciting step toward the smile you’ve always wanted! While it may seem intimidating at first, many people navigate life with braces every day. With thoughtful preparation and a hopeful mindset, your orthodontic journey can be both fulfilling and transformative.

Confidence building
Each day brings you closer to the smile you’ve always wanted, boosting your confidence along the way.

Improved health
Straight teeth are easier to clean, leading to better oral health and overall wellness.

Life-changing results
The temporary adjustments lead to permanent improvements in your smile and quality of life.

your treatment timeline

Knowing what lies ahead at every step keeps you confident and ready throughout your orthodontic journey.

Week 1-2 – Getting Used to Braces
Initial adjustment period with some discomfort and learning new cleaning routines

Month 1-3 – Finding Your Rhythm
Adapting to eating with braces and establishing good oral hygiene habits

Month 3-12 – Seeing Progress
Noticing tooth movement and getting comfortable with your orthodontic routine

Month 12-24 – Major Changes
Significant improvements in your smile and bite alignment become visible

Final Phase – Completion & Retention
Braces removal and transition to retainers to maintain your perfect smile

Adapting your lifestyle

Minor changes to your everyday habits can help your orthodontic treatment go smoothly and successfully.

Eating & Dining

Learn which foods to enjoy and which to avoid for a smooth treatment experience

Pro Tips

Cut food into smaller pieces
Avoid sticky and hard foods
Use both sides of your mouth

Sports & Activities

Stay active and protect your investment with proper mouthguards

Pro Tips

Always wear a mouthguard
Choose sports-specific protection
Keep backup wax handy

Social Life

Embrace your journey with confidence and connect with others

Pro Tips

Join online orthodontic communities
Share your progress photos
Celebrate milestones

Speaking & Singing

Maintain clear speech and musical abilities throughout treatment

Pro Tips

Practice reading aloud daily
Use speech exercises
Be patient with adjustment

staying comfortable

Easy tips to reduce soreness and make the most of your orthodontic treatment.

Comfort: use orthodontic wax for bracket irritation
Diet: drink cold beverages to reduce soreness
Healing: rinse with salt water for gum irritation
Pain management: take over-the-counter pain relief as needed

making it fun

Transform your braces experience into a fun and memorable journey with these imaginative tips.

Document your smile transformation journey
Try new recipes that are braces-friendly
Customize your elastic colors for holidays
Set oral hygiene goals and track progress

myth vs. reality

Let’s clear up popular myths about wearing braces and help you understand what to expect along the way.

Myths

Braces are only for kids and teens

You can’t play sports with braces

Braces hurt all the time

Treatment takes forever

Reality

Adults make up 25% of orthodontic patients and can achieve excellent results

With proper protection, you can continue all your favorite activities

Initial discomfort is normal but most patients adjust within a week

Average treatment time is 18-24 months with visible progress early on

braces-friendly eating

Savor tasty snacks and meals while keeping your braces safe and supporting healthy nourishment.

Soft fruits like bananas and berries

Steamed vegetables and salads

Soft grains like rice and pasta

Dairy products like yogurt and cheese

Lean proteins like fish and chicken

Smoothies and soups

Reality

Cut corn off the cob

Slice apples and pears

Remove meat from bones
Cut pizza into small pieces
Break up large sandwiches
Soften hard vegetables

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

KC

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B