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Starting orthodontic treatment is exciting—but it’s also totally normal to feel a little unsure about what those first days with braces will be like. Whether you’re a teen getting braces for the first time or a parent helping your child through the adjustment, knowing what to expect can make the transition smoother and far less stressful.

At Holt Orthodontics, we believe confident patients have the best experiences. Here’s a realistic look at life with braces during the first week—and what comes after.

The First 24–72 Hours: The Adjustment Phase

When braces are first placed, your teeth and mouth begin adapting to gentle pressure.

What’s normal:

• Soreness or tenderness in the teeth
• A tight feeling when biting down
• Mild irritation on the cheeks or lips

Helpful tips:

• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups
• Use orthodontic wax on any brackets that feel irritating
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe your mouth

This initial discomfort usually peaks in the first few days and fades quickly.

Eating With Braces: What Changes?

Food choices matter more with braces, especially early on.

Foods to enjoy:

• Scrambled eggs
• Pasta
• Soft fruits
• Oatmeal
• Steamed vegetables

Foods to avoid:

• Sticky candy
• Popcorn
• Hard chips
• Nuts
• Chewy bread or bagels

Avoiding these helps prevent broken brackets and unexpected repairs.

Oral Hygiene Matters More Than Ever

Braces create extra places for food and plaque to hide, so daily cleaning is essential.

Best habits to build:

• Brush after every meal
• Use floss threaders or a water flosser
• Rinse with fluoride mouthwash
• Keep up with regular dental cleanings

Good hygiene keeps your teeth healthy and your treatment on track.

Life After Week One

Once the initial adjustment passes, most patients forget they’re even wearing braces. You’ll get used to eating, speaking, and smiling—and soon, appointments and adjustments become part of the routine.

Every adjustment means progress, and every month brings you closer to your new smile.

We’re Here Every Step of the Way

If something doesn’t feel right—or you simply have questions—our team is always happy to help. At Holt Orthodontics, your comfort and confidence matter just as much as your results.

Braces are a journey, and we’re honored to take it with you.

Orthodontic treatment is designed to transform your smile—but along the way, it’s normal to experience a few bumps in the road. The good news? Most orthodontic “emergencies” aren’t emergencies at all. With a little guidance, many issues can be handled at home until you’re able to visit our office.

At Holt Orthodontics, we want you to feel confident knowing what’s normal, what’s manageable, and when it’s time to give us a call. Below, we break down the most common orthodontic concerns and how to handle them.

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What’s Normal During Orthodontic Treatment

1. Mild Soreness After Adjustments

After braces are tightened or you switch to a new aligner, it’s completely normal for your teeth to feel tender for a few days.
What to do:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Soft foods
• Warm saltwater rinses

This discomfort typically fades quickly and doesn’t need an office visit.

2. Slight Irritation Inside the Mouth

New braces can sometimes rub against your cheeks or lips.
What to do:

• Apply orthodontic wax to brackets or wires
• Use warm saltwater rinses
• Let your mouth adjust over a few days

This is a normal part of the initial adjustment period.

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Common Issues & How to Handle Them

1. Poking Wires

As teeth shift, wires can occasionally move and poke the cheeks or gums.
Try this at home:

• Gently push the wire back down with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser
• Cover it with orthodontic wax to ease discomfort

Call us if:
The wire is causing persistent irritation or you can’t manage it at home.

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2. Loose Brackets or Bands

A bracket may come loose if it’s bumped, or if you eat something sticky or hard.
What to do:

• If it’s still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover with wax
• If it’s completely loose, keep it in a safe place to bring to your appointment

Call us if:
The bracket is spinning, hanging, or causing discomfort. We’ll schedule a repair.

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3. Broken or Lost Rubber Bands (Ligatures)

Rubber bands or ties occasionally pop off.
What to do:

• If you still have the elastic and feel comfortable, you may put it back
• Otherwise, it’s usually fine to wait until your next appointment

Call us if:
Multiple ligatures come off or the wire feels unstable.

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4. Lost or Cracked Aligners

For aligner patients, losing or damaging a tray is more common than you might think.
What to do:

• If the aligner is cracked but still fits snugly, keep wearing it
• If the aligner is lost, go back to the previous one until we advise otherwise

Call us if:
The tray is too damaged to wear or you’ve lost it completely. We’ll help you decide whether to move forward or reorder.

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5. Loose or Lost Retainers

Retainers help keep your beautiful smile in place—so a damaged or misplaced one should be addressed quickly.
Call us as soon as possible so we can replace it and prevent shifting.

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When You Should Contact Holt Orthodontics Immediately

While most issues can wait until normal business hours, call us right away if your child experiences:

• Significant pain that doesn’t improve
• A wire or appliance that’s cutting the mouth
• Swelling or signs of infection
• A loose appliance that interferes with eating or speaking
• An injury to the mouth, teeth, or face

Your comfort and safety are our top priority. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check in.

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Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

A few simple habits can reduce the chances of problems:

• Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods
• Wear a mouthguard for sports
• Follow your aligner or braces care instructions
• Keep up with scheduled appointments
• Maintain good oral hygiene

These steps help keep treatment on track and your smile healthy.

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We’re Here When You Need Us

Orthodontic treatment is a journey—and you’re not on it alone. Whether you’re dealing with a poking wire or a misplaced aligner, the team at Holt Orthodontics is always here to help.

Have a concern? Give us a call.
We’ll walk you through a solution or schedule a time for you to come in.

Your comfort matters, and together, we’ll keep your smile moving in the right direction!

When it comes to your child’s health, early detection is key—and their smile is no exception. Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to spot growth patterns and potential concerns.

Early orthodontic treatment—sometimes called “Phase I”—doesn’t always mean your child will get braces right away. Instead, it helps guide jaw development, prevent more serious issues, and make later treatment faster and easier.

Here are 7 important signs your child may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation.

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1. Crowded or Misaligned Teeth

If your child’s teeth overlap, twist, or seem too close together, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to emerge properly. Early treatment can help create space so teeth come in straight and healthy.

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2. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth usually fall out in a fairly predictable sequence.
Too early? Permanent teeth may shift into the wrong spots.
Too late? It can block adult teeth from erupting.

If your child’s baby teeth are on either extreme, it’s a good reason to schedule a checkup.

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3. Difficulty Biting, Chewing, or Speaking

If your child struggles to bite into food, chews unevenly, or has speech challenges related to tooth position, it may indicate structural issues with the bite or jaw.

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4. Thumb or Finger Sucking Beyond Age 4

Thumb or finger habits can push teeth forward, narrow the palate, and change how teeth fit together. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine if the habit has affected your child’s bite—and what gentle solutions can help correct it.

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5. Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing isn’t just a habit—it’s often linked to airway issues, and it can affect facial and dental development. Early orthodontic care may help improve both form and function.

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6. Protruding Teeth (Overjet)

If your child’s front teeth stick out, they’re more vulnerable to injury during sports or play. This is one of the most common reasons children benefit from early orthodontic intervention.

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7. A Jaw That Seems Too Far Forward or Too Far Back

If the upper or lower jaw looks noticeably off balance, it could indicate a developing overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Catching these issues early makes treatment simpler, more comfortable, and more effective.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Early orthodontic care can:

• Guide proper jaw growth
• Reduce the need for tooth extractions later
• Create space for incoming permanent teeth
• Improve bite function and facial balance
• Boost your child’s confidence
• Make future orthodontic treatment faster and easier

Not every child needs early treatment—but every child deserves an early evaluation to ensure the best smile possible.

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Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Exam at Holt Orthodontics

We love helping kids feel confident about their smiles! If you’ve noticed any of these signs—or simply want peace of mind—our friendly team is here for you.

Call us or request an appointment online to get started.

Early evaluations lead to healthier smiles. Let’s give your child the best start possible!

For the longest time, I thought I simply had one crooked tooth. Just one little front tooth that seemed to be getting more stubborn as I got older. But once I finally went in for a consultation, I learned something surprising: it wasn’t just that one tooth at all. My jaw had actually narrowed over time—a completely normal part of aging—and that shifting had caused multiple teeth to crowd and rotate. What I thought was a tiny cosmetic fix turned out to be a bigger alignment issue that needed real attention.

After months of tiny trays, discipline, and a commitment to self-care, there’s nothing quite like the moment you snap that final aligner out and see the smile you’ve worked for. Many adults put off orthodontic treatment for years. Schedules are full, responsibilities are heavy, and it’s easy to think it’s “too late” to fix your smile. But Invisalign changes that. It’s discreet, manageable, and blends seamlessly with busy adult life. You can attend client meetings, enjoy dinners out, and live your life without metal brackets stealing the spotlight.

The Benefits of Finally Having Straight Teeth

Straight teeth are about more than aesthetics. There are countless long-term perks, including:

Better Oral Health

Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer hidden spots where plaque and tartar can build up.

Reduced Risk of Dental Issues

Straightening your bite can help prevent chipping, enamel wear, gum recession, and jaw discomfort.

Long-Term Self-Investment

Orthodontic treatment pays off for decades. Every photo, every conversation, every moment you choose to smile… it all feels better.

The Holt Orthodontics Experience: Where Care Meets Craftsmanship

I couldn’t talk about my Invisalign journey without highlighting the incredible experience at Holt Orthodontics. From day one, their team made the process feel personal, supportive, and enjoyable. Every appointment felt like visiting a team that genuinely cared—not just about my teeth, but about me as a person. They listened, encouraged, and celebrated every milestone along the way.

Dr. Gary Holt: The Orthodontist You Want

Dr. Gary Holt has a reputation for excellence—and now I know why.
He’s a perfectionist in the best possible sense: detail-oriented, precise, and committed to making sure the final outcome is truly exceptional. His expertise made me feel completely confident throughout the process, and the results speak for themselves.

Walking Away With a New Smile

Finishing Invisalign as an adult feels like crossing a finish line. Now, every time I smile, I’m reminded that it’s never too late to invest in yourself—and that choosing the right orthodontist makes all the difference.

If you’re considering Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, I can’t recommend Holt Orthodontics and Dr. Gary Holt enough. They don’t just straighten teeth—they transform smiles and support you every step of the way.