Living With Braces

First Days In Braces

Braces are a combination of the brackets that attach to each tooth and the archwire that connects to each bracket and produces the force needed to move and steer the teeth in the proper direction. During the first few days it is common to feel general soreness in your mouth and for your teeth to feel a little tender to biting pressure. Although the amount of movement of the teeth will not be visually dramatic, continued light pressure can cause your teeth to get sore. Biting into foods such as steak, pizza, or hard fruits and vegetables may be difficult. This will go away, however, and you will be back to normal in a couple of days or even right away. To help relieve general soreness you can rinse with warm salt water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water and rinse vigorously.

To help relieve minor pain, feel free to take whatever over the counter medication you would normally take for a headache or similar pain. This would include Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetominophen (Tylenol). Rest assured, the discomfort will not last long.

Initially, your braces may rub against the inside of your mouth and cause irritation. This is normal and if there are any areas that feel sharp or are causing discomfort you can apply a small bit of wax to remedy the problem. Simply pinch off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area causing the irritation. If possible, dry off the area first as the wax will stick better. Canker sores or small cuts may also develop, but are easily taken care of with the soft wax or a topical gel like Rincinol or Orajel. We will supply you with packets of soft wax and the gel the day your braces are put on, but if you run out, feel free to ask for more.

As your teeth are moving you may also feel that your bite is changing. Perhaps you will notice that you bite down on a tooth that you haven't before or teeth that used to touch no longer do. This too is normal and as your teeth continue to shift you will develop a more functional bite.