If you are on your way to get braces, then you may be excited about starting your orthodontic journey. However, there may be a part of you that’s nervous about what you can expect them to feel like. You might be worried about any discomfort, odd sensations, or how they will fit into your lifestyle in general! To help you feel more at ease, here’s what generally happens when starting this treatment.
During Your Appointment
Many people are often anxious about getting their braces placed. You may be concerned about any pain when the individual components are attached, but there generally isn’t any at all! Your dentist will first clean and dry your teeth before applying a special adhesive. The brackets will be placed carefully, and then an arch wire will connect them all. Since this process may take a while, you might just get tired of keeping your mouth open instead.
A Couple of Hours After Your Visit
Once this visit is over, your mouth will likely feel odd. When you run your tongue across your teeth, you won’t feel a smooth surface anymore, but your braces. You might have a bulky feeling around your lips, along with some pressure or tightness. This is normal because of the brackets and wire, but it may feel strange at first rather than painful. Many people also develop a slight lisp, but it should go away as you get used to this orthodontics.
Going Through Your First Week
It’s expected that you will start to feel sore about four to six hours after your appointment. This is because the braces are doing their thing and helping shift your teeth into their desired positions. However, this discomfort often peaks around days two and three. The hurting feeling should go away after several, but here are some tips to get relief sooner:
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Eat soft foods for a bit to give your mouth a break from crunchy and hard options.
- Take pain relievers.
- Use oral numbing gels.
After a Month with Braces
People often feel used to their braces after a month with them. It may be shorter or longer for you, but the discomfort will come and go as your wire gets adjusted. While this can be frustrating to deal with, it just means that your treatment is working. Instead, you’ll build a routine that helps you get relief while making sure your smile stays clean throughout your journey. That way, your orthodontic treatment becomes easier and well worth it in the end.
About the Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the local communities get the straighter teeth they deserve with reliable treatments like braces. By sticking with you throughout your service, you can better understand the process toward results you love. If you are interested in this type of orthodontics, schedule an appointment at any of our five locations near you or call our Johns Creek office at (770) 622-1177.
