Now all of us are lucky enough to develop a perfectly aligned smile like the ones you see on TV. This good news is that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t proud to show off. Traditional braces are the tried and tested way of straightening teeth. As your appointment approaches, it pays to know what to expect. Continue reading to find out what braces feel like when you first get them and going forward.
What Do Braces Feel Like When You First Get Them?
The appointment in which you get your braces should be easy and painless. After your new appointment, the new pressure exerted on your teeth from the braces will result in some soreness and discomfort at first. Additionally, the soft tissues in your mouth will need to adjust to the presence of the new wires and brackets. Fortunately, these symptoms should fade away on their own quickly. You can also manage discomfort with a cold compress, mouth rinses, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Your First Week of Having Braces
After the initial soreness fades, you will likely still feel a steady pressure as your teeth are shifted into place. This means your treatment is working! This pressure feels should fade as time goes on. Now is a great time to get a feel for orthodontic wax as well. This is a clear, perfectly safe material that can be used to cover any brackets or wires that are poking you or causing you discomfort until your orthodontist can address it.
What to Expect for Your First Orthodontic Checkup
After a few weeks of getting used to your braces, you will need to return to the orthodontic office for your first checkup. You will continue to do this periodically over the course of your orthodontic treatment to ensure that everything is going as planned. During this appointment, your braces will be adjusted or “tightened” so your teeth will continue to shift into their ideal positions. This can result in some soreness in your mouth for a few days afterward, but this can be managed with cold compresses, mouth rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Traditional braces are great, but they can take some time to get used to. You will get the hang of them in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Buchwald earned his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He later completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the prestigious Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, earning his Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. For more information about braces or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 377-5940.