First Days in Braces

Initially the braces feel like they “stick out”. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and as tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have “toughened” you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, our office will be happy to provide more. If you are in need of wax outside of regular office hours, you should find it in the oral hygiene section of your local pharmacy, such as CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart or Target.

You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce tooth soreness.

Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness beginning within the first eight hours and dissipating within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take nonprescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Dr. Eppard recommends taking such medications one hour prior to an adjustment appointment.

There are routine steps which we ask that you complete prior to leaving the office. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit.

1. Using your finger and tongue, check that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or irritate the cheek or tongue. 
2. Make sure you understand any instructions given. This includes wearing headgear or elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene or diet instructions.
3. Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.
4. Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office! Waiting several weeks after an appointment before scheduling your next visit complicates the scheduling process. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to extended treatment lengths.
5.  Make sure that your questions about treatment are answered. Treatment gets better when everyone understands the treatment process.
6. As in life, some things we experience during the process of orthodontic treatment are not entirely predictable if a problem occurs, please do not hesitate to call our office.