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Your First Day with Braces
During orthodontic treatment with braces, the gradual alignment of your teeth is achieved by applying consistent pressure to move them into the desired position. This gentle pressure may lead to minor discomfort in your gums and teeth. This feeling is completely normal and common in the first days after you get braces and, sometimes, after adjustment appointments.
Here is what to expect on the first day of braces, including some easy-to-follow advice:
Managing Discomfort From Braces on the First Day
The good news is that any discomfort you might feel after getting braces will likely be short-lived and minor. Here are some tips for adjusting to braces during the first day(s) :
Rinse with warm salt water.
You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce the sensitivity of your mouth's tissues.
Apply orthodontic wax.
Applying an orthodontic wax to the brackets can help protect the inside of your cheeks, lips and gums from getting scratched or irritated.
To use the wax, you'll mould it over the irritating bracket. Don't forget to remove the wax before brushing your teeth and reapply it after meals.
Dietary Restrictions
When you get your new braces, you may wonder what to eat during those first few days.
For the first day or two, you should opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods, as you will need time to adjust to chewing and may feel some pressure. To make the process easier, you may want to consider preparing by picking up any foods you need beforehand.
Some foods that work well during the first couple of days after getting braces include soups, stews, and soft pasta. You can try yogurt, smoothies and soft fruits like bananas for snacks.
Pretty soon, you'll get used to your braces, and you can return to eating more solid foods again. Keep in mind that there are also some foods that you should avoid completely during treatment with braces. These include sticky, chewy and hard foods like gum, popcorn, nuts, hard candies and more. These foods can not only get stuck to your teeth, resulting in cavities (it is harder to brush and floss your teeth when you have braces), but the metal brackets and wires that make up your braces can become damaged by them as well.
Brushing Your Teeth With New Braces
You can begin brushing your teeth right away after getting braces. Your orthodontist will give you a quick lesson on how to easily clean your teeth with braces on, including brushing and flossing. You should also rinse your teeth regularly to keep food particles from hiding in the many nooks and crannies that come with braces. With consistent oral hygiene, you can help keep stains from occurring and achieve a straight smile that is also bright and healthy-looking.
Adjusting to Talking
If you find yourself talking a little differently than usual on that first day, don't worry. This is completely normal. Once your tongue and lips have adjusted to the braces and their positioning, your speech will return to normal.
The tissues inside your mouth may be irritated at first, but with time (and orthodontic wax), you will find relief.
Achieving Optimal Outcomes
While the first day is full of changes and new sensations, the time will fly by, and the outcome will be worth it. Your decision to get braces is a commitment to achieving a straight and healthy smile for life.
Your orthodontist is here every step of the way to reassure you when you have any concerns, answer your questions as you have them and help you achieve your dental goals and orthodontic needs.
By maintaining a disciplined approach to your treatment, you can prevent it from taking longer than expected and achieve a straight, even smile in a timely manner.