Congratulations! You’re on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile. No matter how long your treatment lasts, the time you’ll spend wearing braces is short compared to a lifetime with your new, beautifully straight smile. And there’s more good news: your lifestyle won’t change much on the way to your perfect smile. You can still eat out, play sports or musical instruments, and have your picture taken. Just make sure to care for your braces properly!
So how do you take care of your smile during and after braces? We’ve compiled some tips below to help you get started, and so you know what to expect. Always ask your orthodontist for detailed instructions.
Comfort
No matter what kind of braces you choose, it will feel a little strange when they are first attached. Your teeth might feel larger because of the brackets, and your mouth may feel sensitive as it gets used to the braces. Your orthodontist will give you soft wax to use if any brackets are rubbing against your cheeks, lips or tongue. If a wire is poking you, don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist – they can cut it shorter.
Almost everyone experiences some tenderness when their teeth move, particularly in the first days after you get your braces and after each adjustment. It takes most people 1 or 2 weeks to adjust to having braces. In the meantime, eat soft foods and ask your orthodontist about how best to relieve any discomfort. If you need a morale boost, start picturing the end result: a beautifully straight and healthy smile!
Dr. Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology.
