The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth sets rapidly when the braces are first placed. You can eat anytime after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods that may be harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to eat softer foods.
What To Expect During the First Days With Braces:
Initially the braces feel like they “stick out”. this is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and the braces will feel like a normal part of your mouth. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheeks have become used to them, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of dental wax around any bracket that is bothering you.
You may have some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Your teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness by the second day, which gradually disappears within the week. Exactly when the discomfort will go away is impossible to predict and is different for each patient.
You may wish to take a non-prescription pain reliever, such as the medication you usually take for headaches and other discomforts. If you find that you are usually sore after an appointment, it may be helpful for you to take the medication just prior to your appointment. This will provide maximum effectiveness before the discomfort begins.
Before Leaving The Office:
There are routine steps which we encourage you to take prior to leaving the office. these steps will minimize discomfort and ensure an optimal and efficient response to orthodontic treatment. Try to make these step a part of each office visit:
- Using your tongue, check to see that there aren’t any wires or parts of the braces that are poking your cheeks, tongue or lips.
- Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics (rubber bands) as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene or diet instructions.
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, elastic bands or anything else you may need between appointments.
- Always schedule your next appointment before leaving our office.
Waiting to schedule your next appointment can delay your treatment and complicate the scheduling process, as appointments are made 6-10 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.
