Getting braces means making a few changes in your life, especially at the beginning of your braces journey. Knowing what to expect after you have braces fitted makes the transition much easier. The biggest thing to remember is you’ll adjust quickly, and your orthodontist will help you learn how to best take care of your teeth now that you have braces.
Expect Soreness and Pressure
While getting your braces put on doesn’t really hurt, you will start to feel some pressure and soreness in your mouth about four hours later. Usually, this persists off and on for anywhere from a few days to about a week. As you might expect, your mouth feels most tender when eating. After all, your teeth are being gradually pushed into a new position, and it takes your mouth time to adjust to this movement.
Talk to your orthodontist about the best pain medications to take. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be all you need, but if a prescription is necessary at first, they’ll prescribe one.
No Hard Foods After Having Your Braces Fitted
This is just temporary, though you will get a list of foods you shouldn’t eat while wearing braces. To avoid the pain of chewing harder foods during those first few weeks after your braces are fitted, stick with soft foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and similar items. Smoothies are also a great option.
Don’t worry, though. You’ll be back to eating normally pretty soon. However, stick with chewing your food a little slower to avoid damaging your braces or breaking off a bracket.
Loose Teeth and Sores Are Normal
Many patients start to panic when they notice loose teeth and mouth sores. But these are actually quite normal. Braces literally push your teeth into new positions, so your teeth will feel as though they have movement as they begin to shift. And it’s normal for sores to form as your mouth adjusts to braces. Orthodontic wax to help prevent these from occurring. Your orthodontist will show you how to use it.
Also, use a saltwater rinse to help any sores heal faster. Additionally, you can apply a topical oral anesthetic gel to numb the areas while sleeping. You might find it better to sleep on your back to reduce pressure on your inner cheeks and lips from the braces.
The great news is that the worst is over within the first week or two, and you can resume life as normal outside of a few food restrictions. If you have any questions about what to expect with orthodontics and life with braces, contact Wayman Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.