First Days in Braces
The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially but takes 24 hours to completely cure. 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 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 the alignment of your teeth improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of soft wax around the bracket that is creating irritation. You may 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. Several patients report experiencing no discomfort, but some have soreness during the first eight hours and dissipating within the week. 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 any discomfort begins.
Before leaving the office
We ask you to take a few routine steps before leaving the office. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from 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 scrape your cheek or tongue.
- Make sure you understand the instructions you are to follow until your next appointment, like wearing elastics, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene or diet instructions.
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other materials you may need between appointments.
Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1-2 weeks after an appointment before scheduling the next office visit complicates the scheduling process, since appointments are programmed many weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.
