So you finally took a major step toward the beautiful new smile you’ve always wanted – what an exciting time! You’re eager to begin your smile transformation on your very first visit, but you’re also wondering “how do I prepare?!” “What is the first week with braces like?”
Whether you’ve chosen metal braces or clear ceramic braces, life with braces is an adjustment!
Keeping your braces clean, choosing braces-friendly foods, and knowing what to do in the event of a braces emergency – it can sound overwhelming when you first get started. We promise it’s not too complicated, and the process is incredibly rewarding!
We’re here to help you prepare with 4 essential tips for new braces wearers. Here are 4 things you can expect during your first week:
1. Expect some minor and temporary soreness.
We’re going to be honest with you! While everyone’s experience with braces is different, it’s common to feel some tenderness around your gums and teeth during the first week with braces. Your teeth aren’t used to the pressure of your brackets and wires, so it can feel odd to suddenly have braces on your teeth 24/7.
The good news is – you can take precautions to help minimize soreness if you experience braces discomfort on the first day, second day, or third!
Consider getting an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce soreness. Studies have shown that ibuprofen and aspirin can slow down tooth movement, so it’s best to choose a medication with acetaminophen – like Tylenol.
Orajel™ is another solution to help relieve discomfort; it’s a topical gel medication that uses benzocaine, a local anesthetic, to numb the gums. It works by blocking nerve signals in the body and can desensitize the mouth to help with soreness.
2. Expect a minor orthodontic ‘emergency’ at some point.
At some point in your treatment, you may experience a common orthodontic emergency. We use “emergency” lightly, because in the event of a true emergency, we urge you to go to the emergency room.
A common orthodontic emergency, like a loose archwire, a broken bracket or a piece of your braces agitating your cheeks, can be resolved with some orthodontic wax! Carry orthodontic wax on you at all times, and you’ll thank yourself later.
If a bracket detaches from your tooth or becomes loose, or a wire pops out of your braces, just place a small ball of orthodontic wax on the bothersome bracket or wire, and make an appointment to see Dr. Dunn or Dr. Schreiber as soon as possible! One of our orthodontists or team members will fix your braces so you can resume your treatment.
3. Expect a soft food diet at first!
Soft foods will be your best friend during your first week with braces. Soft snacks and dishes are easier to eat when your teeth and gums are sore, so it’s a good idea to stock up on things like mashed potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese, soft-cooked chicken, soup, soft sandwiches, pancakes, yogurt, toast, pasta, eggs and ice cream!
Biting down on a hard food, like an apple, can leave you feeling pretty uncomfortable. Knowing what to eat with braces the first week depends on your own personal experience. If you’re ready to move back into harder foods after a few days of having braces, then that’s great! You decide when you’re ready to reintroduce all of the braces-friendly foods in your fridge.
Throughout your braces treatment, it’s best to avoid hard candies, nuts, and other hard, crunchy foods that could damage your braces. One of the best tips for new braces wearers is to get creative with your palate! Try out some new braces-friendly recipes – you never know which one could become your new favorite.
4. Expect to begin treatment right away!
We’re proud to offer Same Day Braces for our patients! This means you can get your braces placed on your teeth the same day as your orthodontic exam. While many orthodontists require a separate appointment to place your braces after your first visit, we get it all done in just one appointment.
Don’t worry about missing work or your child missing school for numerous appointments. Schedule your complimentary exam with us, then conveniently get started at your very first visit.
Braces treatment is a rewarding journey.
Though the first week with braces requires some lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, you’ll quickly realize how rewarding the process is. It’s all worth it!
Some patients start to notice improvements in their teeth after only a few weeks of having braces. Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions either. Our team is here for you, and we love chatting about your experience! We’ve got tips, tricks and advice to support you through your journey with braces or Invisalign.
If you haven’t begun your journey, but you’re ready to take the first step – request your complimentary consultation with Just for Grins Orthodontics in Montgomery, Millbrook or Wetumpka, AL, today!
Or if you’d rather get started from home, simply begin an online assessment to get a personalized smile assessment and cost estimate from one of our highly-experienced orthodontists.
