After having your long-awaited braces fitted, you might experience some initial discomfort, such as foreign objects in your mouth, irritation of your cheeks, and a pulling pain in your teeth. However, there's no need to worry—these unpleasant symptoms typically subside within a week.
The toughest period is the first day after the braces are installed. This moment just needs to be endured. Over time, after each visit to the orthodontist, the discomfort will lessen, so the first week will be the hardest.
You may have trouble eating, so it's important to choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, porridge, or pasta. Chewing might cause a dull ache in your teeth, and you might also experience increased saliva production in the first few days.
Some orthodontists prefer to place braces without the archwire at first, but this only extends the adjustment period. It's better to get used to both the braces and the archwire simultaneously.
Tips for Easing the Adjustment to Braces
To make the adjustment to your braces easier, avoid moving your lips around and probing the new objects on your teeth. While it might seem interesting at first, you could end up irritating your oral tissues. Since braces have an uneven surface, it's important to minimize unnecessary lip movements.
Use wax on your braces! Apply it to the areas causing the most irritation. Your orthodontist will provide you with the necessary amount of wax. You can use it daily until your oral tissues adapt to the protruding parts of the braces. Wax is especially important at the beginning of treatment and can be left on even during meals—it's convenient and safe if accidentally swallowed.
Adapting to Braces and Daily Activities
Try to stay active and continue attending school or work. Parents shouldn't keep their child at home on the day the braces are installed—send them to school to distract them and speed up the adjustment period. Adults are also advised to keep up with their daily routines.
In the first few days, opt for soft foods and cut them into small pieces to make chewing easier. Avoid sleeping on your face to minimize pressure from your lips on the braces. The best positions are on your side or back.
If necessary, you can use pain relievers in the dosage recommended by your doctor. However, they don't always effectively alleviate dull tooth pain, so use them only for severe discomfort, such as headaches.
How to Avoid Prolonging Treatment
Do not touch your braces with your hands. Some people think that removing the archwire or elastic bands can ease discomfort, but this only prolongs the treatment period. Teeth won't move if the archwire is missing, which significantly extends the time you'll need to wear braces.
Your Doctor Is Always Available
Orthodontists aim to minimize their patients' discomfort by using thin archwires at the beginning of treatment, which apply minimal pressure and move teeth slowly. If a hook on your braces causes severe irritation, cover it with wax until your next orthodontic visit. The orthodontist will adjust the hook to make it more comfortable.
During the process of correcting your bite, moving teeth might cause discomfort. While we can't completely eliminate these sensations, we hope these tips help make your adjustment to braces smoother.
