WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU FIRST GET YOUR BRACES
Now that you have started your orthodontic treatment, here is some information on what you can expect as you embark on your orthodontic journey to the perfect smile:
DAY 1: Having the braces placed on your teeth is not painful. But as your teeth begin to move, they typically will become sore. The soreness you experience is not a sharp pain but rather a dull ache that typically lasts not more than 2 or 3 days and that you feel mostly when your teeth touch. Dr. DiGiovanni recommends:
- Pain Medication: Take over-the-counter pain meds (like Advil, Tylenol, or Motrin) just before your visit and every 4-6 hours after for the first 2-3 days. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.
- Eat right away: Eat breakfast, brunch, or lunch right after your appointment because your teeth won’t become sore until later.
- Keep Busy: Return to work or school, and you can participate in any after-school activities the day the braces are placed.
- Special Menu: Plan on soft foods for dinner (Pasta, mashed potatoes, fish, etc.)
DAY 2 and 3: The first morning, your teeth will typically feel the most discomfort. What you’re feeling is that your teeth are starting to move, and they may feel loose. IMPORTANT:
- Eat Breakfast: Food helps! Soft foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, smoothies, etc. are nourishing.
- Continue taking pain medication: Take medicine after eating and continue to every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
- Special Menu: For lunch, plan on eating soft, easy-to-eat foods. GOOD NEWS… now, any discomfort should be subsiding throughout the day.
DAY 5: By day 5 you should be use to having braces and pain has typically subsided. You should be able to resume your normal diet and should not need to be taking any pain meds.
IN-BETWEEN OFFICE VISITS: At times, your braces may irritate your lips, cheeks, or gums.
- Place wax or other comfort products to cushion the rubbing so that it will heal quickly. It is very important to place a large piece of wax on the brace in the sore area before you go to bed.
- If there is a certain area that constantly pokes or rubs you after the first few weeks, this should not occur. Please call to make an appointment in our office something may need to be adjusted.
PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT: Your visits will be scheduled at 4-8 week intervals, and most will be 20-30 minutes in duration. You will not experience discomfort like the first visit. HANG IN THERE! Your first week in braces is the worst week in braces. We promise you will get used to them, and it will be well worth it. If you ever have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help!
