What you can expect when you’re expecting braces.
After putting on so many sets of braces, one thing never changes – the fear. The fear of the unknown. As a teenager – and even as an adult – getting braces for the first time can feel overwhelming and frightening. Thoughts may race through your mind one after another:
What will it feel like?
How long will it take to get them on?
Will my teeth hurt forever?
Will I get sores in my mouth?
Will the sores go away?
How long do I have to wear them?
The list could go on, but pretty sure you get the idea. It can be scary getting braces but, it can also be exciting. For the first time, you’re taking control of your smile and ensuring that you’re giving yourself the best smile you can. Isn’t it worth it to have confidence in everything you do? Of course it is!
To put your mind at ease and get you ready for the smile you’ve been waiting for, here’s a list of things you can expect when getting braces.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GET YOUR BRACES PUT ON:
1) It doesn’t hurt to get braces, but your mouth may be sore afterwards.
(Expect your teeth and mouth to be sore for about a week.)
2) It usually takes 1-2 hours.
(That’s 1 movie or 4 cartoons.)
3) Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried before we do anything.
4) Next, we’ll apply bonding glue to attach the brackets to your teeth.
(Be forewarned: the glue doesn’t taste great, but nothing that can’t be tolerated!)
5) Finally, arch wire will go between the brackets to connect your teeth, and rubber bands will secure it all in place.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GET HOME:
1) Make soft foods your best friend – soups, mac n’ cheese, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, applesauce, bananas – you get the idea.
2) Feeling pain and soreness is normal.
(Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen – sometimes even Orajel® can help.)
3) During the first few weeks you may experience little mouth sores.
(Helpful tip: apply orthodontic wax to your new brackets to give those sores some time to heal.)
4) Avoid drinking things like orange juice or eating any foods that have a high acid concentration like tomato sauce or balsamic vinegar dressing.
5) If your lips and gums feel sore, create a rinse of warm salt water.
(How to make the rinse: 1/2 tsp of salt per cup of water swished around in your mouth several times a day will ease the irritation and speed up healing.)
We’re here to make your experience as comfortable as possible so let us know how we can help ease your mind. Then let’s get you started on a smile that will give you confidence for decades to come!
-Drs. Tahbaz & Rezapour and the team at Luv Braces