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Tuckahoe, NY – Getting your braces placed is a big day – patients have spent time anxiously awaiting and probably wondering what to expect. While getting your braces on is a pretty painless experience, there are some tips and tricks to follow to help get used to your new life in braces. Tuckahoe Family Orthodontics orthodontist Dr. Sam Polan offers a few of his thoughts on how to make your adjustment to braces easier.

1. Be prepared for a bit of soreness and/or discomfort. Actually having the braces placed is free of pain, however, your mouth will be a bit tender in the days following. Give your mouth a bit of time to adjust and stick to soft foods for the first day or so.
2. Before leaving your orthodontist appointment, be sure you feel comfortable with your wire ends. We don’t want your wire ends to extend too far past the last bracket or it will poke into your cheek or tongue. Your mouth may experience some sore areas while getting used to the brackets and wires, but we will provide you with orthodontic wax to help.
3. Make sure you have all your supplies ready on day one. There are a few tools that may make your treatment easier, and your orthodontist may recommend the use of additional items such as rubber bands to help your treatment progress properly. Make sure you have these ready to go right away so they are there when you need them. This can include having plenty of orthodontic wax, interdental cleaners, floss picks, and a travel toothbrush and toothpaste for on the go cleaning.
4. Follow all diet and hygiene guidelines. There will be some foods that you will need to avoid in order to avoid damaging your brackets and wires. This includes anything too hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy. Additionally, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene to ensure your teeth stay healthy enough for treatment to continue.

Your first week in braces will take a bit of patience while you get used to them. Eat soft foods and use orthodontic wax in areas that are uncomfortable. If you experience additional soreness you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Rinsing with warm saltwater can also help relieve soreness.

Any discomfort associated with your braces should subside within a few days after getting your braces as your teeth acclimate. In no time, your mouth will feel normal with the braces in – in fact, it will start to feel so normal that on the day your braces come off, it will feel strange without them!

It is important to maintain all your regular check-ups with your orthodontist. These appointments ensure your treatment is progressing as it should, but they also allow you the time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your orthodontist.