Your First Days in Braces
The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially but takes 24 hours to cure completely. You can eat any time after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.
Will the Braces Cause Discomfort?
Initially, the braces feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of dental wax around the bracket that creates irritation. You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report experiencing no discomfort, but most have some soreness during the first eight hours, dissipating within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly used for other discomforts such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.
We ask you to take a few routine steps before leaving the office. These will minimize discomfort related to irritation caused by the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit.
Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas that might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue
Your responsibilities between appointments are very important. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, activating an expander, or following specific hygiene or diet instructions. Please be properly prepared for your next appointment.
Ensure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.
Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1 or 2 weeks after an appointment to schedule your next office visit complicates the scheduling process since appointments are scheduled six weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to extended treatment.
Please make sure that all of your questions regarding treatment are answered. The treatment goes better when everyone understands the treatment process. We encourage parents to accompany their children to their appointments, allowing us the opportunity to update you on treatment progress.
