What to Expect on Your First Day with Braces

Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile. While it’s natural to feel a bit anxious, understanding what to expect on your first day with braces can help ease your worries and set you up for success. Braces may take some getting used to, but the journey will be well worth it.

  1. 1. Your Initial Appointment: What Happens First? On the day of your appointment, your orthodontist will first review your treatment plan and ensure that everything is in place for your braces. You may have had an initial consultation prior to this, where your orthodontist took X-rays, 3D scans, or impressions of your teeth to create a personalized treatment plan. When you arrive for your appointment, they will go over the process and answer any last-minute questions you might have.
  2. The procedure to put on your braces generally takes about 1 to 2 hours, so be prepared to sit in the chair for a while. The process is painless, but it can feel a bit time-consuming.
  3. 2. The Application Process: How Braces Are Put On Once you’re ready, your orthodontist will begin by cleaning your teeth thoroughly. This helps ensure that the brackets will adhere to your teeth properly. After your teeth are clean, a special bonding adhesive is applied to the surface of your teeth. Your orthodontist will then carefully place small metal brackets on each tooth.
  4. Once the brackets are in place, they will be connected with a wire, which is secured to the brackets with tiny rubber bands or clips. The wire is what will gradually move your teeth into their desired positions over time.
  5. You may notice some pressure or slight discomfort as the wire is adjusted, but the process itself is not painful. Most patients find that the discomfort comes after the braces are placed, not during the procedure itself.
  6. 3. What You’ll Feel Right After Getting Your Braces After your braces are on, your mouth may feel a little sore or sensitive. This is completely normal and is simply your mouth adjusting to the new hardware. Your teeth, gums, and the inside of your lips may feel tender, especially when you bite down or chew. This discomfort typically peaks within the first few days and should begin to subside after a week or so.
  7. Some people may experience irritation to the inside of the lips and cheeks as they adjust to the braces. This is because the metal brackets and wires can sometimes rub against the soft tissues in your mouth. To alleviate this, orthodontists often provide orthodontic wax that you can place on the brackets to create a buffer between the braces and your cheeks or lips. This can be a real lifesaver during the first few days!
  8. 4. Eating and Drinking with Braces On your first day with braces, you might want to stick to soft foods that don’t require much chewing. After all, your teeth will be a little sore, and you’ll want to avoid any discomfort. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soup, and scrambled eggs are great options for your first day or two with braces.
  9. You’ll also need to make a few adjustments to your eating habits while you have braces. For instance, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like popcorn, gum, caramel, or hard candy. These types of foods can get stuck in your braces or even damage the brackets and wires.
  10. Be cautious with hot foods or drinks as well. While your mouth is adjusting, very hot items may irritate your gums and the inside of your mouth.
  11. 5. Dealing with the Initial Discomfort The soreness you’ll feel in the first few days is a normal part of the orthodontic process. Your teeth are shifting, and this pressure can cause mild discomfort. This is a good sign that your treatment is working!
  12. To manage any pain, try using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your orthodontist. Additionally, cold compresses on your cheeks can help alleviate any swelling or discomfort. You can also try saltwater rinses to soothe any irritation in your mouth.
  13. Remember, the discomfort won’t last forever. In fact, after a week or two, you’ll likely start feeling much more comfortable with your braces, and the pain should subside. As your teeth continue to move, you may experience brief periods of discomfort when the braces are adjusted, but these moments typically pass quickly.
  14. 6. Caring for Your Braces: Good Oral Hygiene One of the most important aspects of your braces treatment is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Food particles and plaque can get trapped in your braces, so it’s essential to brush and floss carefully. Your orthodontist will give you instructions on how to brush with braces, but here are a few quick tips:
  15. Brush your teeth after every meal to avoid food buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to your braces and gums. Floss at least once a day, using special flossers designed for braces. In addition, make sure to visit your orthodontist for routine checkups, usually every 4 to 6 weeks, to ensure your braces are in good condition and your treatment is progressing as planned.
  16. 7. Adjustments and Follow-Up Appointments Your orthodontist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. At these appointments, they will check the fit of your braces, make any necessary adjustments, and give you the next set of rubber bands or wires as needed.
Contact Valley Smiles Orthodontics in San Gabriel, CA Your first day with braces is an exciting milestone, and the team at Valley Smiles Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way. We understand that it can be a lot to manage, and we are committed to making the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. As your trusted San Gabriel orthodontist, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! Let’s get started on your journey to a beautiful, confident smile today!