If you’re interested in getting a straighter smile, traditional braces are an excellent way to do so. Though braces have been around in one form or another for centuries, you may have a lot of questions if you’ve never had them before. What do braces feel like? Read on to learn what they feel like right after you get them, within the first week, several months into treatment, and the day they finally come off!
The Initial Appointment
During your first visit to your orthodontist to have your braces placed, a dental-grade glue will be used to apply the brackets to each tooth. Wires will then be threaded through each bracket. Once this process has been completed, your mouth will likely feel fuller than usual since you aren’t used to wearing braces yet. You should adjust to them within a week or so.
The First Week
The first week after getting braces is when most patients experience some mild discomfort. This is mostly due to the pressure the metal brackets and wires are placing on your teeth. Though this is only a short-term symptom, it can still be bothersome. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize soreness, including:
- Rinse – Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth out with it.
- Avoid acid and sugar – Sweet and acidic foods and drinks can cause irritation, so try avoiding them.
- Eat soft foods – Yogurt, applesauce, pasta, and other soft foods will be easier on your mouth than hard, sharp, or tough ones.
- Take pain meds – When taken as directed, over-the-counter pain medication can lessen discomfort.
- Use a cold compress – Place an ice pack against the outside of your cheeks to help with swelling and irritation.
The First Six Months
After the first week with your new braces, they’ll feel like a normal part of everyday life. You start to get used to visiting your orthodontist every four to six weeks to have them adjusted, brushing after every meal, and eating braces-friendly foods. During this time, many patients forget what it was like before they had braces. These oral appliances are an investment in your oral health and confidence, so make a point of sticking with treatment and taking good care of your teeth throughout.
The Final Visit
After several months or several years of wearing braces, it’s finally time to have them taken off! Once the brackets and wires are removed, you’ll have to readjust to life without them. Your teeth may feel more sensitive than usual in the spots where the brackets used to be. Your gums may also be slightly swollen, which should go away on its own.
If you’re interested in beginning treatment, reach out to your orthodontist to learn if braces are right for you. No matter how long you wear them, it’s worth it to come out on the other side with a healthier, more beautiful smile.
About the Practice
If you have a crooked smile or misaligned bite that needs correcting, Rauchberg Dental Group can help you achieve a more beautiful beam. They offer orthodontic options like Invisalign as well as traditional and ceramic braces to move your teeth into a better position and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. To begin your journey towards a more gorgeous grin or to learn more about how braces feel, call Rauchberg Dental Group at (973) 718-9887 or visit their website.