Now that you have started your orthodontic treatment, here is some information on what you can expect as you embark on your orthodontic journey to the perfect smile:
what to expect WHEN YOU FIRST GET YOUR BRACES
Day 1: Having the braces placed on your teeth is not painful. But as your teeth begin to move, they typically will become sore. The soreness you experience is not a sharp pain, but rather a dull ache that typically lasts not more than 2 or 3 days. Dr. DiGiovanni recommends:
Take over-the-counter pain meds (like Advil or Tylenol or Motrin) just before your visit and every 4-6 hours after for the first 2-3 days. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.- Eat breakfast, brunch or lunch right after your appointment because your teeth won’t be sore until later.
- Return to work or school and you can participate in any after-school activities the day the braces are placed.
- Plan on soft foods for dinner (Pasta, mashed potatoes, fish, etc.)
Day 2 and 3: The first morning your teeth will typically feel the most discomfort. What you’re feeling is your teeth starting to move and they may feel loose. IMPORTANT:
- Be sure to eat breakfast. Soft foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, smoothies, etc. are nourishing.
- Take medicine after eating and continue to every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
- For lunch plan on eating soft, easy to eat foods. GOOD NEWS… now any discomfort should be subsiding throughout the day.
Day 5: By day 5 you should be more use to speaking and eating with braces. While avoiding hard and/or sticky foods, you should be able to resume your normal diet and should not need to be taking any pain meds.
In-between office Visits: After the first week tooth pain should be gone but at times your braces may irritate your lips, cheeks or gums.
- Place wax or other comfort products to cushion the rubbing so that it will heal quickly. It is very important to place a large piece of wax on the brace in the sore area before you go to bed.
- If there is a certain area that constantly pokes or rubs you after the first few weeks, this should not occur. Please call to make an appointment in our office something may need to be adjusted.
Your next visit: Your visits will be scheduled anywhere in 4-8 week intervals and most visits will be 20-30 minutes in duration. Most visits you will not experience discomfort like the first visit.
HANG IN THERE! Your first week in braces is the worst week in braces. We promise you will get use to them and it will be well worth it. If you ever have any concerns don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help!
WELCOME TO OUR OFFICE. WE ARE SO HAPPY TO INCLUDE YOU IN OUR FAMILY OF PATIENTS.