Some people have a fear of having braces because they think it can be painful at the very beginning of the treatment. We are here to reassure you that it’s not true! Our team came up with some tips that can help you overcome the challenges you might have in the beginning of your orthodontic treatment.
Ask as Many Questions As you Need
It is completely fine and appropriate for the patients to ask many questions about how to go about their life after they get their braces.
Get a Head Start on Braces Discomfort
Just to clear it from the start, it is neither the process of getting braces nor having braces that cause discomfort.
The main aim of braces is to fix the set of teeth. To achieve their aim it is essential for them to exert pressure on the teeth, so when you have freshly applied braces it is normal to feel slight discomfort. This discomfort should not be severe pain, if that is the case please immediately refer to an expert.
Tips For Your First Week Of Braces
- Get hydrated. Drinking lots of water helps keep moisture and saliva in your mouth. Eventually, saliva makes your checks lubricated, so they’ll rub less against your braces.
- Try cutting food into small pieces, as it will make it easier for you to chew and reduce the number your checks to rub against the braces. Additionally, small pieces of food will prevent your braces from getting broken in the future!
- Rinse with salt water. Till your body can get used to braces, use this method to soothe sire spots in your mouth. Just use 2 tablespoons of warm salty water in a cup several times a day in the beginning of your treatment.
- Use Orthodontic wax (you can also get it at our office). Using wax in the places that are most irritating in your mouth can soften them and prevent your tissues from getting damaged. We will provide and show you how to use orthodontic wax to apply over the braces as necessary.
Exactly when the discomfort is gone is impossible to predict and is different for each patient. If you experience strong pain or discomfort, you can also take an over-the-counter pain medication to help. After few days to a week, any initial discomfort associated with the braces treatment should be gone or much improved. Your teeth will gradually get acclimated to the braces, and eating should be much easier.
Know What to Eat with Braces the First Week And Stock Up
The important thing to remember here is that it is you cannot eat hard and sticky food when you have your braces on. So it is smart to stock up the foods you are allowed to enjoy such as; yogurt, mashed potatoes, custard, smoothies, etc.
What Can’t You Eat with Braces
You are not allowed certain types of food because they can damage the braces. You should avoid crunchy, hard, chewy, sticky, and sugary foods.
Remember to Brush and Floss
It is quite common for the patients to take time to get used to the idea of brushing and flossing regularly. But it can be harmful to forget it as brushing and flossing are vital to keeping your mouth clean and free of bacteria.
Plan Ahead for Braces Emergencies
It is common to be anxious when you have just gotten your braces. Therefore you can prepare for any sort of emergencies to calm your mind. Generally, there are rarely any dental emergencies as most of the issues can either be rendered at home or it can wait for the doctor to be available.
Orthodontic Appointments
Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask or make an appointment! You can schedule your appointment with our professional orthodontists in Arlington Heights, Harwood Heights, Chicago (Pilsen), Burbank, Rockford and since December 2017 DeKalb and Algonquin!
