At Straight A Orthodontics, we know that many questions arise once a patient has braces on for the first time. Knowing what to expect during yours or your child’s first days with braces can make all the difference in successful orthodontic treatment with optimal outcomes.
Have you or a loved one just gotten your braces and you don’t know what to expect? We’ve prepared the following information so that you can understand what’s happening, and to enhance your ability to be compliant with the ideal orthodontic protocols for the best possible outcomes to your treatment plan.
When you first get braces, it is not uncommon for your teeth and gums to feel some slight tenderness or soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain medication, can be used to help with the tooth pain. Be aware that some pain medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, slow down tooth movement and work against the braces. In any event, during the first couple of days, you can take one dose of Tylenol and Advil together to relieve any discomfort. After this, use Tylenol exclusively and only as needed. All discomfort should subside within the first week or two.
During treatment, it is not uncommon for braces to come loose. This may be an indicator that you need to pay better attention to the foods you are eating or the activities you are engaging in. Either way, do not worry, loose brackets are a simple fix and can be curbed by scheduling an appointment so that we can repair the bracket.
When it comes to deciding what foods won’t harm your braces, common sense usually comes into play. While hard foods, like hard candy, can damage wires and brackets, sticky foods can get caught in between them. Food that is high in sugar, on the other hand, can accelerate tooth decay, which can be harder to correct with braces. Avoid all nail biting and don’t chew on foreign objects, like pens and pencils. For more specifics, please refer to our Foods to Avoid page.
Here at Straight A Orthodontics, we recommend completely avoiding chewing any kind of gum.
Above all else, the most important part of orthodontic care is proper oral hygiene. Braces make it more difficult to brush and floss properly, so to make sure you’re doing it right consult our Brushing & Flossing page.
Your braces treatment costs will vary, depending on your individual needs and developing an appropriate treatment plan that’s customized to your needs. Our staff will discuss the cost of your treatment and available payment plan options so you can make the best choice for your situation. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, so you will know what to expect. Our practice also accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss braces treatment and to learn more about what to expect during your first days with braces.
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