The time is almost here! You’re about ready to start your orthodontic treatment with braces to get your new smile. It’s perfectly understandable to be a little nervous, but knowing what to expect can help you make it through and stay motivated to keep going. When it comes to starting orthodontic treatment with braces, the toughest part for many patients is the first week. Here’s what you should expect during your first week with braces.
Leaving the Orthodontist Office
Before you head out the office door and start living the next portion of your life with braces, your orthodontist will check to see if any of the wires or brackets are poking the inside of your mouth. Be sure to let your someone know if there is any discomfort so your braces can be adjusted before you leave.
You should also have instructions on the best way to care for your braces when it comes to brushing, flossing, and eating.
Eating When You Leave the Office
You don’t have to wait to eat after you get your braces on, but you should stick to very soft foods to start out. Your teeth will be a little sensitive at first, but you should be able to work your way up to firmer foods after a few days without any issues. You will have to avoid some foods still during the rest of your treatment, such as nuts, jerky, taffy, and other foods that can break your brackets or get stuck in your wires.
Dealing with Discomfort During the First Week with Braces
Patients can experience some mild discomfort when they first get their braces and their teeth start to move. However, you shouldn’t have any serious pain as a result of getting your braces put on. You should be able to get rid of this soreness by using over-the-counter pain medication. Another way to combat soreness after getting braces is to rinse with warm saltwater. This tenderness should go away after a few days.
Another source of discomfort many patients report when they first get braces is the brackets irritating the inside of their mouths. You may experience some soreness during the first week as your mouth gets used to the metal pieces. During this period, you can use dental wax to minimize the discomfort.
Cleaning Your Teeth
One of the most important things to remember with braces is to step up your cleaning game. While brushing your teeth will only take some mild adjustments, flossing will be quite a bit tricker. Prepare yourself by getting a floss threader that allows you to slip the floss under the wires with ease. This will take some getting used to, but you will master the art of flossing with braces sooner than you think!
Once you get past your first week with braces, you’ll find that life with braces quickly becomes a new normal you can easily manage. And if you stick to your list of braces-friendly foods, keep up with cleaning, and protect your braces, you will have no trouble finishing your treatment on time.
You can learn more about what to expect when you get braces and find out which orthodontic treatment options are right for you by scheduling a free initial exam at Smith Orthodontics. Contact us today to get started!
