Getting braces can be an exciting milestone in your life, as you take the journey to a healthier, more confident smile. However, it is natural to feel some anticipation and anxiety about the process. While this anxiety is common, knowing what to expect on your first day with braces can help make this transition much easier for everyone involved.
At Bailey Orthodontics, we understand how daunting this experience can be, especially if you don’t know anyone who has gone through it before. However, with proper education and a trustworthy orthodontic team, your first day with braces can go incredibly smoothly. If you are about to get your braces installed and you’re feeling a little nervous, keep reading to learn what to expect on your first day with braces.
The Fitting Process
The fitting process during your first day with braces can be a little daunting. On average, your fitting may take 1-2 hours. There are several steps in this process, including:
- Dental Cleaning: Your orthodontist will start your fitting by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth.
- Bonding: After your cleaning, a special adhesive will be applied to your teeth to attach the brackets. You may notice a strange taste in your mouth during this process, but the adhesive is harmless.
- Placement: Next, your orthodontist will place the brackets on your teeth, followed by threading your archwire through your brackets.
- Securing: Small elastic bands, also known as ligatures or o-rings, will be used to secure the wire. These come in different colors, and you can choose your favorite ones.
Initial Discomfort
It is normal to feel some discomfort on your first day with braces. Some of the most common discomforts you may experience include:
- Soreness: Your teeth and gums may feel sore or tender immediately following the installation of your braces. This soreness is due to your teeth beginning to move.
- Pressure: As your braces begin to exert force on your teeth, you may notice that you feel a bit of pressure.
- Irritation: The tissue in your mouth may be sensitive as it adjusts to the addition of brackets and wires, leading to a bit of irritation inside your cheeks and lips.
While irritation is a common part of the first day of braces, there are a few things you can do to make this process a little more comfortable. If you’re dealing with discomfort from your braces, consider trying the following:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help alleviate some of the initial discomfort you may experience.
- Orthodontic Wax: If your brackets or wires are causing irritation, you might want to consider applying orthodontic wax to your brackets to protect the tissue in your mouth.
- Soft Foods: On your first day with braces, it is best to stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid further discomfort.
Adjusting on Your First Day with Braces
Adapting to braces can be a slow process. However, there are a few tips you can follow to make the transition smoother:
- Speech: You might notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words, especially on your first day with braces. This is temporary and will improve as you grow accustomed to your braces. You may want to speak out loud to begin adjusting.
- Eating: There are several foods you’ll need to give up when you get braces. Eating the wrong foods can damage your braces. Some foods you’ll need to avoid include sticky caramels and gums, hard nuts and candies, and chewy, tough meats and bagels.
- Cleaning: Keeping up with regular cleaning is essential. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste between every meal, and floss to remove any additional food. You may also want to invest in interdental flossers to get into hard-to-reach areas.
Follow-Up Appointments
It is important that you remember to attend follow-up appointments. Typically, you will visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. During these visits, your orthodontist will perform the necessary adjustments. These adjustments may include tightening your braces, which can cause some discomfort similar to your first day with braces.
They will also check the progress of the movement of your teeth and make changes as they see necessary. If you experience any problems between appointments, like orthodontic emergencies, it is important that you reach out to your team to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Positive Mindset
While the discomfort you may experience on your first day with braces can be frustrating, it is important to remember that this is temporary. Instead, try to focus on the end results, as imagining your straight smile can help you stay motivated. There are a few ways to stay positive throughout this process, including:
- Take Progress Photos: Document your journey with regular photos to see the improvements over time.
- Celebrate Milestones: Treat yourself to a reward after each orthodontic appointment or as you reach new milestones.
- Keep a Good Support System: Share your experience with friends or join forums to connect with others who have braces, as they can support you if times ever get tough.
An Orthodontic Team You Can Trust
Whether it is your first day with braces or you’re nearing the end of the process, working with a reliable orthodontic team is essential. If you’re looking for a reliable orthodontic team in the Farmington or Bountiful, Utah, area, turn to our team at Bailey Orthodontics. We’ve provided reliable orthodontic services to patients across the area for years, making us the best fit for your orthodontic journey as well.
In addition to our amazing team, we provide patients with a variety of online resources to ensure the entire orthodontic process goes as smoothly as possible. When you partner with us, you can trust that you have the best team on your side. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with our team or if you have more questions about your first day with braces, don’t hesitate to contact us.
