First Day in Braces

"The Big Day"

The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially but still takes 24 hours to completely cure. You can eat anytime after leaving the office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the no-no list to avoid damaging your braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

What will braces feel like?

As you become accustomed to your braces your lips may feel full during the initial days. This sensation will disappear. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of beeswax around the bracket to create a smooth surface. We’ll provide you with dental wax the day you get your braces on. 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 that they experience no discomfort but most have some soreness during the first eight hours and it should ease within a few days. Exactly when the discomfort ceases, however, is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take medications before the discomfort begins.

Before leaving the office.

There are routine steps which we ask that you complete prior to leaving our 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 that wire ends do not exceed into areas which may poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.
Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, 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 related materials you may need between appointments.
Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting one to two weeks after an appointment before scheduling your next visit complicates the scheduling process, since appointments are reserved four to six weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to prolonged treatment.
Make sure that your questions about treatment are answered. We achieve the greatest results when everyone understands the complete treatment process.