What is it like to get braces put on?

There’s no doubt about it – braces are the best great way to get straighter teeth. But what is it like to get braces put on? In this post, we’ll answer this question. We’ll also give you some tips on how to deal with any discomfort or pain afterwards.

What is the procedure to get braces put on?

  • First, the orthodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth to get them ready for the braces.
  • Next, the orthodontist will put a special glue onto your teeth. The glue may taste unpleasant, but don’t worry, it’s harmless.
  • After this, the orthodontist will attach the actual braces on to your teeth. First, the brackets will go on to your teeth (the small metal squares) and then the archwire (the wire that connects the brackets together).
    In all, the procedure will take one to two hours. No anaesthetic is needed which means you can drive afterwards.

Does it hurt to get braces put on?

No, getting braces put on doesn’t hurt. And you’ll be able to go back to school or work after the procedure – which unfortunately means you can’t use your new braces to take the day off!

Tips for dealing with soreness after getting braces put on

  • After getting braces put on, it’s normal for your mouth to be sore afterwards. It will take around a week for this soreness to go away. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you deal with the discomfort.
  • For the first day or two, avoid eating anything crunchy or hard. Stick or soft foods instead, such as soup, yoghurt, pasta and mashed potatoes. Don’t worry – you’ll soon be able to go back to your normal diet again.
  • If you’re in pain, consider taking pain relievers like ibuprofen.
  • You can temporarily numb painful areas with an oral anaesthetic from a pharmacy. Use a small amount of cotton wool to dab the anaesthetic on whichever part of your mouth is causing you pain. The gel will numb the spot for a while and alleviate your pain. This is particularly useful if the pain is preventing you from falling asleep.
  • A rinse with warm salt water can also help to ease irritation. Rinse several times a day, as needed.

What can I do about mouth sores?

Mouth sores can be a problem during the first few weeks while your mouth gets used to the braces. They’re caused by the friction between the braces and your mouth and they can also form if you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek. Mouth sores will go away on their own after a few weeks when your mouth gets used to the braces, but here are some tips on how to deal with them in the meantime.

  • Don’t be tempted to touch your mouth sores with your tongue or fingers. It will only make them worse.
  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as lemons and oranges, as they can also make mouth sores worse.
  • To avoid mouth sores altogether, apply orthodontic wax on to the brackets that are causing you discomfort. You can buy orthodontic wax from your local dental clinic or from a pharmacy.

How long does it take to get used to braces?

It usually takes patients around a month to get used to their braces. By six months, most patients are able to forget that the braces are even there. So don’t worry, because given time, you will get used to wearing braces.

Conclusion

Braces are the best cure for wonky teeth and they can give you a confident smile. While you will feel some discomfort in the first few days of wearing braces, rest assured that things will get better. Over time, your mouth will adjust to the braces and any pain or discomfort will go away.

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