Skip to content
  • 919.676.0541
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
  • Make A Payment
  • Blog
SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT
Laster logo
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Laster
    • Meet the Team
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Life With Braces
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Clear Aligners
    • What are Clear Aligners?
    • Clear Aligners for Kids
    • Clear Aligners for Teens
    • Clear Aligners for Adults
    • Clear Aligners FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Financial Information
    • Make a Payment
    • Life With Braces
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Patient Care Videos
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Referrals
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Laster
    • Meet the Team
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Life With Braces
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Clear Aligners
    • What are Clear Aligners?
    • Clear Aligners for Kids
    • Clear Aligners for Teens
    • Clear Aligners for Adults
    • Clear Aligners FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Financial Information
    • Make a Payment
    • Life With Braces
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Patient Care Videos
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Referrals
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT
Laster logo
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Laster
    • Meet the Team
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Braces
    • Types of Braces
    • Braces for Kids
    • Braces for Teens
    • Braces for Adults
    • Life With Braces
    • Braces FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Clear Aligners
    • What are Clear Aligners?
    • Clear Aligners for Kids
    • Clear Aligners for Teens
    • Clear Aligners for Adults
    • Clear Aligners FAQ
    • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Financial Information
    • Make a Payment
    • Life With Braces
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Patient Care Videos
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Referrals
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT
  • 919.336.1395
  • Payment Calculator
  • Make a Payment
Schedule Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Life With Braces

Home » Braces » Life With Braces

Everything You Should Expect

Bracing yourself for a life with braces? Don’t sweat it. We know all the in’s and out’s of life with braces from what you can do, to what’s a definite no-no (we’re looking at you popcorn). If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Laster Orthodontics. We’re always happy to help.

Eating With Braces

What can you eat?

It’s easier to talk about foods you shouldn’t eat with braces. For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you’ll be able to bite foods like cucumbers again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.

Interested in eating whatever you want while in orthodontic treatment? Check out our Laster Perfect Smile aligners at Laster Orthodontics!

Foods To Avoid

  • Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
  • Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
  • Sticky foods: caramels, gum
  • Hard foods: nuts, candy
  • Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
  • Chewing on hard things: (for example, pens, pencils, or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, your mouth may feel sore and your teeth may be tender when biting for three to five days. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headaches or similar pain. The lips, cheeks, and tongue tissues may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. Salt water rinses do not relieve tenderness, it relieves the irritation on the lips, cheeks and tongue because of the pokes from the metal. We will also show you how to put wax on your braces to minimize the pain.

Loosening Of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don’t worry — it’s normal. Your teeth must loosen first so they can be moved by the braces. Once your treatment is done, your teeth will become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Loose Wire Or Band

Don’t be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This will happen occasionally for most patients. If a wire protrudes and is irritating you, use a blunt instrument (the back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully and gently push the irritating wire back under the archwire. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, our patients must work together with our orthodontic team. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances as prescribed. Remember, damaged appliances will lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces so that your teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Athletics

We offer all of our patients that are in full-contact sports a custom-fit mouthguard by Gladiator Mouthguards!

If you play sports, it’s important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving your face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, call us for a precautionary checkup appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

ORTHODONTICS FOR EVERYONE
Testimonials

Incredible people are among us

The Laster Orthodontics team is full of happy, warm, genuine people who love life, and our patients. We are always 100% committed to patient care.

Carmen O.
As always, I had a great experience! The staff are so kind and accommodating. I had an issue with my permanent retainer, and they were able to get me in really quickly. Akera replaced my retainer and did a fantastic job, she was super friendly and attentive. I really appreciate the level of care and service here!
Amy S.
Coming back today to add something to my review: Carina, the Practice Manager, is so incredibly patient and kind. Thank you for your help today, Carina! I appreciate you!

Today my son and I visited the Rolesville location of Laster Orthodontics. We were immediately greeted by a friendly team member. We only waited 5 minutes to be taken back for my son’s consultation. We met with Maria and she was fabulous!!! Very thorough, relatable and relaxed, yet professional. She explained every aspect of the treatment my son will receive, along with pricing information, payment plan options, etc. She was funny, too. Maria was great vibes all around. Dr. Laster popped in the room to introduce himself. He was cheerful and didn’t seem rushed or bothered by having to chat with us. My son and I can’t wait for our next visit! Thanks everyone, especially Maria! 😊
Shay C.
I normally don’t leave reviews, but I have to write this one. My daughter accidentally got her appointment date wrong and even took a day off work for her braces. By the time we realized it, it was too late to adjust her work schedule back. I called the office to see if there were any cancellations, and Shatyonia told me there had been a couple earlier, but they filled up quickly. I asked if she could call me back if anything else opened up that day, and she kindly agreed.

Sure enough, around 12 she called me back and asked if we could come in by 1 o’clock. Of course, I said yes! I am so thankful to her because she truly didn’t have to go out of her way for me and my daughter. Thanks to her, my daughter didn’t waste a day off work.

Also, I want to recognize Cynthia, who had excellent customer service when I came in looking for Shatyonia. These are two wonderful ladies running the front desk, and they really made our experience so much better.
Scuba
I wish we could give Laster Orthodontics higher than a 5-star review, because they are simply amazing! From the first contact I made with them by text, to the friendly staff at the front desk that greeted us when we walked in, to the amazing Treatment Coordinator that helped us, Maria Lopez, to the orthodontist himself: every individual was friendly, helpful and professional in every instance. THANK YOU Laster Orthodontics for an incredibly great experience! 🩷🙏
MJ E.
My experience with laster orthodontics was a great experience when I was getting my procedure done and the staff were very helpful in helping me with my success!!
ashley C.
Today went nice and smooth I called in the morning to get a bracket fixed and I got in and out only waited for 10mims and got done in 10mims . I love getting my teeth fixed @ Laster Orthodontics
Lisa R.
I love Laster Orthodontics! All of the staff is very nice and attentive. I’m always greeted with a smile.
Brittany W.
I’ve had such a great experience at Laster Orthodontics in Raleigh! From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and professional. Dr. Laster and his team made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and were always patient with my questions. The office is super clean, modern, and efficient — they truly care about their patients and it shows. I’m so happy with my results and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve their smile. Thank you for making my journey such a smooth and positive one!
Maureen
My dentist recommended Laster Orthodontics and I am glad he did. The office staff are knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Laster and his team answered questions and gave options. And I appreciated the payment plan.
Amanda P.
Laster Orthodontics is hands down the BEST!!!! They have the nicest staff and they are so sweet to their patients and their patients parents. They gave my daughter a beautiful smile and we are forever grateful!!!!!
Logan F.
Dr. Laster and his team are so caring and understanding. Their care is top notch and they truly appreciate and care for their patients.
Shawna W.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Laster ortho! Dr laster is so nice. The staff are all amazing and are more like family! Love coming to my ortho appointments!!
Gwendolyn R.
My experience with Laster orthodontist was amazing. I wore liners for one year and Every visit was the same. The Entire staff are professional and very welcoming.
Janelle H.
Very welcoming, warm and friendly people. Engaging with your care and supportive staff! I enjoy my visit every time I go!
Brad L.
I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Laster! They were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. Thanks to their expertise, my smile was corrected ahead of my wedding day, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!

Get Started Today

Smiling is contagious and spreads positivity to everyone around you. With a perfect Laster smile, you’ll have a reason to spread positivity everyday. Schedule a free consult so you can get started right away!

FREE CONSULT
Laster ortho - ada
Laster ortho - award
Laster ortho - aao
Laster ortho - courrge
Laster ortho
raleigh-best-2023-transparent
Come Visit Us
OUR Locations

Come Visit Us

We look forward to seeing you at one of our three convenient locations below!

Raleigh

7700 Falls of Neuse Rd. #190 Raleigh, NC 27615 919.676.0541

Rolesville

6282 Rogers Rd. Rolesville, NC 27571 919.676.0541

Zebulon

430 Stratford Dr. Zebulon, NC 27597   919.676.0541

Raleigh

Rolesville

Zebulon

Laster otho
Laster-OFFICIAL-Logo---White
FREE CONSULT

Quick Links

  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Clear Aligners
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Clear Aligners
  • Patient Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Locations

  • Raleigh
  • Rolesville
  • Zebulon
  • 919.676.0541

Follow Us

© Copyright 2025 Laster Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices

Marketing & Web Design by HIP Creative