Getting Braces: 6 Hacks for Surviving Your First Week

It is no secret that wearing metal braces can be extremely uncomfortable, especially during the first or second week. You may feel a bit sore, but the good news is, the soreness will eventually subside as the weeks go by — you may even forget you are wearing one! Once you endure the pain and discomfort in the first week (or two), the rest of the treatment period will be smooth sailing. There are also other issues like bad breath after getting your braces. But there are ways to get rid of bad breath, like making sure you brush your teeth daily.

This short blog post aims to provide all the essential information on what to expect and how you can adjust to the treatment process. Here are several quick tips to help you survive the first week with your braces and make the adjustment period as painless and easy as possible. Or, you can opt for better invisible cheap invisalign as they are easier to maintain.

Be Prepared before Leaving the Dental Office – After getting your braces, do not hesitate to talk to your dental health professional about the following things:

Check the ends of the wire: Check the wire ends with your fingers and tongue to make sure ends are properly fitted and do not extend into areas that could potentially poke your cheeks or change the position of your tongue.
Understand the next steps: Ask your Guelph dentist as many questions as you can to ensure that you will be aware of what you should do before the next appointment. Make sure to ask for oral hygiene recommendations, using elastic, wearing headgear, and more.
Check Carefully Your Supplies – Do not forget to ask your dental health provider for dental wax, cleaning aids, elastic bands, etc. Make sure you will have sufficient supplies until your next appointment.

Be Mindful of What You Eat – It is normal to eat after leaving the dental office, but dentists recommend eating softer foods during the first few days to allow your mouth and teeth to adjust with your braces. Choose to eat soft vegetables, seedless bread, pasta, pudding, and soup instead of your regular meal. When soreness starts to subside after a few days, you will be able to eat more solid foods but steer clear of sticky foods, such as dried fruits and candies, to prevent damage on your teeth and braces.

Use Wax to Prevent Mouth Sores – Brackets can rub against the soft skin in your mouth, causing irritation and soreness. Over time, the soft skin tissues will begin to toughen protecting you from mouth sores. Until then, make sure to use wax to help relieve discomfort.

Use Saltwater to Rinse Your Mouth – Dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution for about 30 seconds, 5 to 6 times daily. Saltwater solution helps alleviate pain and discomfort and helps mouth sores heal faster.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Dentists recommend brushing your teeth and braces more than twice daily to remove specks of food particles stuck in your brackets. Continue with your normal oral hygiene routine and make sure to floss on a regular basis. Practising strict oral hygiene habits ensure that your mouth, teeth, gums, and braces are healthy throughout the treatment period.