You just got your braces on and you are wondering…now what?
You will usually experience soreness for several days after you get the braces on. After 3-4 days, you will still have soreness, but you will feel like you have ‘turned the corner.’ The soreness will decrease on each successive day until you feel back to normal after about one or two weeks. Soreness is a very subjective sensation. For some people the soreness is a minor irritation while for others it can be significant. Typically over-the-counter Advil or Motrin will be sufficient to decrease the discomfort. Please pay careful attention to the maximum daily dosage listed on the package. Also, it may be helpful to stick with a soft diet for the first few days until this initial soreness goes away.
Occasionally, a brace or two may come loose in the first 48 hours after the braces are placed. Please be aware that the adhesive that we use to put the braces on is designed to be temporary since braces are obviously not meant to be permanently attached to the teeth. Don’t worry…this happens sometimes and is easily fixed! Call us and we will see you right away to re-attach the loose brace(s).
Sometimes sore spots will develop, and are a normal part of the braces process. If something feels sharp when you run your finger across it, and is clearly poking, please refer to the emergency information section of this web site, or call the office to schedule an appointment. If you cannot feel something sharp you’re your finger, please use wax to cover the brace or wire that seems to be causing the sore spot. If the sore spot does not go away after two or three days or if it seems to be getting worse, then call us so we can make you more comfortable.
Please follow the brushing instructions we have provided at your banding appointment. Ideally teeth should be brushed after every meal, and before and after bed. You should also attempt to floss at least once a day. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is a key component of your treatment. If you need a refresher on any of the techniques discussed, please refer to the oral hygiene section of this web site.
Avoid foods that are sticky or chewy, hard or crunchy. In short, use common sense, and avoid anything that would tend to make your braces fall off. For examples of foods that are not braces friendly, please refer to our foods to avoid list.