What to Expect with Braces

Feb 17 • 3 minute read

When getting braces it is normal for people to feel a mix of emotions: excitement about the teeth straightening journey, nervousness about the discomfort involved, and uncertainty over the life adjustments you’ll have to make. But there’s no need to worry. Doctor Smiles Orthodontics is here to quash any doubts and answer any questions you may have about starting teeth straightening treatment with braces. That way you can just focus on the excitement! Continue reading below for our guide on what to do as you begin your braces adventure.

Before You Leave Our Office:

Be Sure You’re Comfortable: Here at Doctor Smiles Orthodontics, your comfort is a priority! Before you leave our Tucson office you’ll want to be sure your new braces are not causing any immediate discomfort—wire ends poking or rubbing against you painfully. While there may be initial minimal discomfort from having something new on your teeth, that is normal. It’s that overly-irritating rubbing or poking that you want to speak up about. Just let someone on our team of specialists know, and we’ll adjust the appliance before you leave.

Check That You Have All Necessary Supplies: We don’t want you leaving without something you’ll need for your continued braces care! Before you leave our Tucson office, make sure you have a full supply of orthodontic wax, elastic bands, brushing/flossing tools, and any other braces supplies you may need.

Schedule Your Follow-up Appointment: Throughout the teeth straightening process, you’ll need to schedule regular appointments so our team can be sure that your teeth are moving as they should be, and make necessary adjustments to keep progressing your treatment. So before you leave our Tucson office, you’ll want to get your next appointment with Dr. Bedoya set up.

In The First Few Days & Weeks after Braces:

Managing Initial Discomfort - Any type of orthodontic procedure is bound to cause slight discomfort after installation. But don’t worry! Any pain you experience should go away within a few days. Our team suggests taking the recommended dose of Ibuprofen, drinking cold water, or utilizing a good, old-fashioned ice pack against your cheek to ease any intitial discomfort. If the pain does not go away within a few days, please call our Tucson office and let us assist you further.

Eat Soft Foods - Within a few days, you should be able to go back to your normal diet for the most part. Due to teeth sensitivity, you may want to start by eating softer foods such as smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, etc. right after getting your braces on. Past that, as you proceed through the normal phases of your braces journey, please be aware of our recommended Foods to Avoid list. You’ll want to stay away from hard and sticky foods, for example, whenever possible while your braces work their magic.

Adjusting to Life with Braces

Sports & Extracurricular Activities - People often wonder: “Will I still be able to play sports or instruments with braces?” The answer is yes! For the most part, braces should not get in the way of these everyday activities. We do recommend using a mouthguard for sports (which we can provide), and please keep in mind that getting used to playing an instrument can take some time depending on what type of instrument it is. If you feel any rubbing on the inside of your mouth during these activities, you can use the wax provided by your orthodontist.

How Long Will I Have Braces? - The answer to this varies from patient to patient. The process of teeth straightening is dependent on the prior state of your teeth (their original alignment), and how much work needs to be done to get them in the desired position. The process can take months or even years; it’s completely a case-by-case situation. ***Note that after braces come off, it’s important to wear any necessary retainers your orthodontist prescribes in order to maintain the work that has been done.

Call Doctor Smiles Orthodontics Today!

Dr. Bedoya and the entire team at Doctor Smiles Orthodontics are here to answer any questions you may have about what to expect with braces. We don’t want you to feel anything but happiness and excitement as you begin this wonderful braces journey to a new, more confident smile. Book an appointment with our Tucson office today! We are committed to doing whatever we can to help you smile!

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