Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a healthier, straighter smile – but it’s natural to wonder what the process will feel like. After all, it’s hard to imagine how the metal brackets and wires will feel until they’ve been placed, and you go to eat for the first time or try to converse enthusiastically with your family and friends. While everyone’s experience will be unique, here’s a general idea of what you can expect when you first get braces along with some tips for easing into your orthodontic journey.
Day One with Braces
When braces are initially placed on your teeth, you won’t feel any outright pain – though you might feel some discomfort, given that your mouth will need to be kept open for long intervals while your orthodontist carefully arranges the architecture of the braces. Your teeth will be dried, glue will be applied, the brackets will be centered and bonded, and finally, a wire will connect everything together. None of this causes actual pain or harm, but it will likely feel a little odd. However, do yourself a favor and avoid aggravating things; stick to a soft foods diet at first and closely follow any specific instructions provided by your orthodontist.
The First Few Weeks with Braces
This is perhaps the most difficult part of the adjustment period, often since your teeth are starting to be gradually realigned. You may feel a low-grade, steady pressure from the wires; this pain isn’t acute, but it can be annoying and distracting. The upside is that it confirms your braces are working! For relief, over-the-counter painkillers, warm saltwater rinses, and cold compresses can all prove useful.
If you’re dealing with poking or protruding brackets and wires, you can cover them with orthodontic wax to create a barrier between them and the soft, delicate tissues of your mouth. Over time, your mouth will toughen up and become more resistant to these aggravations, but in the moment, they can be debilitating. Don’t lose heart, though – it’s only temporary!
Six Months Later and Beyond
You’ll check in with your orthodontist normally once every month or two so that they can make adjustments to your braces and ensure that everything is moving as intended. These checkups don’t hurt, though if you’re having your braces adjusted, you might feel some mild, fleeting discomfort in the following hours. However, most orthodontic patients report that they’ve fully acclimated to their braces within the first month or so of wearing them. From that point on, they usually don’t even notice their braces!
Remember, braces are an investment in your future smile and your overall liveliness; straight teeth don’t just come with aesthetic benefits, but also practical and beneficial ones! That said, an incredibly small amount of fleeting discomfort is a very reasonable price to pay for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiling.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Milford has served the needs of families in Milford and the surrounding areas for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including tried-and-true metal braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please visit us online or call us today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 473-2002.