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What to Expect When You Get Braces

Wednesday - September 21st, 2016
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Getting braces can be a big change that takes some getting used to. While you’re waiting for your smile to straighten up, here’s what you can expect:

How long does it take to put braces on? When you get them put on, the entire appointment should take 1-2 hours. This includes cleaning your teeth and installing the brackets and wires of your braces.

Will it hurt? The actual process of getting braces put on should not hurt. However, your teeth and mouth may be sore for about a week. That’s because it takes time to get used to the pressure of the braces on your teeth, which is what helps straighten them. After about a month, you should be completely used to the feeling.

If my mouth is sore, what can I do about it? Over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve some soreness and headaches you may experience while getting used to braces. You can also to use orthodontic wax where your braces rub against the inside of your mouth. To temporarily numb painful areas, you can try an over-the-counter oral anesthetic such as Orajel.

What can and can’t I eat? With braces, avoid foods that are very crunchy, sticky or hard. Sometimes, the brackets can cause sores in your mouth, and if that happens avoid highly acidic foods and drinks that can irritate them. Instead, opt for soft foods, such as bananas, kiwis, yogurt, applesauce, soft-cooked chicken or turkey, seafood such as tuna or salmon, eggs, soups, noodles, pasta, or rice.

Are you still curious about what should you expect at a braces visit? Watch our affiliate orthodontist, Dr. Corey Corpodian explain here!

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