Starting your orthodontic journey with braces is a big step toward achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. However, the first day with braces can feel overwhelming, and many patients have questions about what to expect. Will braces hurt? How do you care for them? What foods should you eat?
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we are here to ensure that your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Understanding what to expect can help you adjust more easily and feel confident in your treatment.
What Happens During Your Bonding Appointment?
Once you’ve decided to move forward with orthodontic treatment, your bonding appointment is when your braces are placed. This visit typically lasts between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Teeth
Your orthodontist will begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth. A special bonding agent is then applied to ensure the brackets adhere properly.
Step 2: Attaching the Brackets and Wires
Brackets are placed on each tooth using dental adhesive, and the archwire is secured to the brackets using elastic bands or self-ligating brackets, depending on the type of braces you have.
Step 3: Making Adjustments
Once everything is in place, your orthodontist will make final adjustments to ensure the braces fit comfortably and begin guiding your teeth into their new positions.
How Do Braces Feel After Placement?
Most patients experience some discomfort in the first few hours after getting braces. The new pressure on your teeth may cause a dull ache, which is completely normal. This sensation means your teeth are beginning to shift into alignment.
Many braces wearers report that the first few weeks involve the most noticeable changes as their mouths adjust to the new hardware. Some of the most common experiences include:
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Mild soreness: Your teeth may feel sensitive when biting down, but this typically subsides within about a month.
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Tightness and pressure: As the brackets and wires guide your teeth, you may feel tightness, especially after adjustments.
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Minor irritation: The brackets may cause some irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your lips and cheeks.
Managing Discomfort with Orthodontic Relief Wax
If your brackets cause irritation, orthodontic wax can provide relief by creating a smooth barrier between the metal and your soft tissues. Applying a small piece of dental wax over any bothersome brackets can help prevent sores and discomfort.
Tips for Adjusting to Braces in the First Week
The first days in braces are a significant adjustment, but following these tips can help make the transition smoother:
1. Eat Soft Foods
Your teeth will be sensitive during the first few days, so it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Some good options include:
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Mashed potatoes
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Soft fruits like bananas and peaches
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Yogurt
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Scrambled eggs
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Smoothies
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Soup
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Pasta
Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, such as hard taco shells, chewy foods, and sticky candies, as they can damage your brackets.
2. Use Cold Drinks and Warm Salt Water Rinses
Cold drinks can help soothe soreness, while rinsing with warm salt water can reduce irritation in the soft tissues.
3. Take Small Bites
Cutting food into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to chew and prevents excessive pressure on your braces.
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever when wearing braces. Food particles can easily get stuck around your brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues. Using an orthodontic flosser or a water flosser can help keep your teeth and braces clean.
What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
Teeth May Feel Loose
It may feel strange, but it’s completely normal for your teeth to feel loose at first. Braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into new positions, and this movement can create a temporary sensation of looseness.
Speaking Might Feel Different
Some patients notice that their speech is slightly affected, especially if they have lingual braces (braces placed on the back of the teeth). With practice, your tongue will adjust, and any speech changes will disappear within a few weeks.
Adjustments and Tightening
Every few weeks, your orthodontist will adjust your braces to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. Some patients experience mild discomfort after these appointments, but it typically fades within a few hours.
Dealing with Common Braces Issues
1. What If Braces Hurt?
Some discomfort is expected, especially in the first week and after adjustments. You can manage pain with:
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Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
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Cold drinks or ice packs to reduce soreness.
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Eating soft foods minimizes pressure on the teeth.
2. What If a Bracket or Wire Feels Sharp?
Braces wearers sometimes experience a wire poking their cheek or a rough bracket rubbing against their lips. If this happens:
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Apply orthodontic wax over the bothersome area.
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Use a clean eraser to gently push a poking wire into a more comfortable position.
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Contact your orthodontist if the issue persists.
3. What If a Bracket Becomes Loose?
Brackets can sometimes become loose, especially if you eat hard foods or accidentally bump your braces. If a bracket comes loose:
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Avoid touching or pulling on it.
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Cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating your mouth.
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Call your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment.
What Happens After the First Month?
By about a month into treatment, most patients have fully adjusted to their braces. Eating and speaking will feel more natural, and any initial discomfort should have faded. You’ll also have your first adjustment appointment, where your orthodontist will make small changes to your braces to keep your treatment on track.
Braces Are an Investment in Your Smile
The adjustment period might take some time, but braces are worth it! Most patients adapt within a few weeks and start to see noticeable improvements in their smile within the first few months.
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about your first days in braces or need guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene, our expert team is ready to help.
Start Your Braces Journey with Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics
We understand that wearing braces is a big commitment, but with our guidance and state-of-the-art techniques, we make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. With over 30 years of experience, our board-certified orthodontists provide expert orthodontic care to help you achieve a straight, beautiful smile.
Our family-friendly practice in Henderson, NV, is designed to make you feel at home. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle and are always available to answer any questions you may have. If you’re ready to start your orthodontic journey or have any concerns, call us at (702) 737-5500 or visit our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
