You’ve finally taken the plunge to straighten your smile with traditional braces. However, they admittedly feel kind of unusual at first. Your mouth has to get used to this brand-new appliance on all your teeth, and your diet is severely impacted. While any discomfort or strangeness will be ultimately worth it for a healthy, straight smile at the end of treatment, it can take some time to grow accustomed to your braces. This is why an orthodontist in Denison has written this guide with some tips for getting through your first week.
Get a Head Start on the Discomfort
The process of getting braces put on shouldn’t hurt at all. The discomfort comes about six hours later, when you can finally feel the gentle force the braces are exerting upon your teeth to shift them into an aligned position. By taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment, you can drastically reduce the amount of discomfort you feel.
Use Orthodontic Wax
One common complaint among people with traditional braces is soft tissue irritation caused by brackets and wires. That’s why it’s imperative that you stock up on orthodontic wax, which can be found in the dental section of most drugstores. Place the wax on any problem areas to protect your tongue, gums, lips, and cheeks.
Rinse with Salt Water
An easy way to heal sores caused by braces is by rinsing with saltwater. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water. Then rinse with it and spit it out. Salt has natural antibacterial properties that will prevent infection as well as heal your sores.
Know What to Eat
Your orthodontist will likely recommend sticking to a soft food diet for a few days after getting braces. This means you should stock up on foods like:
- Low-fat yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Pasta
- Soft-cooked meats
- Smoothies
Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
As you’ll soon discover, the brackets and wires of your braces are like magnets for plaque. They can trap bits of food against your teeth, attracting harmful bacteria that cause cavities. For this reason, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, and even more often if you can.
Don’t Lose Hope
If you feel upset about having to give up popcorn or caramel, or about the way your smile looks, keep your eye on the prize. Think about how beautifully straight your teeth will appear after your treatment is done. This should be enough motivation to power through your treatment.
Keep in mind that these tips can be applied well beyond your first week of wearing braces. Once you get used to your braces after the first week or so, the rest of your treatment should be significantly easier.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Bygness has been serving the dental needs of the Denison community since 1997. He earned his Certificate in Orthodontics in 2013, and since then, he has taken more than 400 continuing education hours in orthodontics alone. To learn more tips on how to get used to your braces, or to get started on straightening your smile, visit Dr. Bygness’ website.