Starting your braces journey
Starting your braces journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate your first day and ensure you’re well-prepared.
The First Day of Braces
Preparation Tips:
- Pain Relief: Having braces fitted is not painful, but you might experience a dull ache a few hours later. To minimise discomfort, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Nurofen or Panadol before your appointment, but consult a professional if unsure. Continue taking pain relief every 4-6 hours as needed.
- Return to Routine: If you get your braces in the morning, you should be able to return to your normal school or work activities.
What to Eat & What Not to Eat
Initial Diet:
- Soft Foods: Stock up on soft foods that are easy to eat without much chewing. Good options include mashed potatoes, rice, soft pasta, fish, soups, smoothies, yogurt, bananas, watermelon, and dragon fruit.
Avoid:
- Hard and Chewy Foods: Foods that are hard or chewy can damage your braces. Avoid crusty bread, popcorn, corn chips, ice cubes, hard lollies, toffee, and whole hard fruits and vegetables. Cut hard fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
- Sticky Foods: Stay away from sticky and chewy snacks like certain lollies, toffees, licorice, roll-ups, and nuts, as they can cause problems with your braces.
Brushing Your Teeth
Oral Hygiene:
- Brushing and Flossing: It’s crucial to start brushing and flossing your teeth immediately after getting braces. The orthodontic therapist will show you the proper techniques. Make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly to remove food particles and bacteria that can hide around the braces.
Talking
Speech Adjustments:
- Initial Lisp: You might notice a slight lisp when you first get braces. This is normal, and your speech will return to normal within a few days as your tongue and lips adjust.
Coping with Discomfort
Ulcers and Irritation:
- Mouth Ulcers: The brackets might cause ulcers inside your mouth initially. These should heal within a few days.
- Wax for Relief: Use orthodontic wax provided in your goodie bag to cover any braces causing irritation. If you run out of wax, contact the clinic for more. In a pinch, a small ball of cotton wool with Vaseline can also provide relief.
- Brace relief: Ask us about brace relief that numbs ulcers and allows for better healing and comfort.
Think About the End Game
Motivation:
- Future Smile: Remember that the discomfort and adjustments are temporary. Soon, you’ll adapt to your new normal, and before you know it, your braces will come off, revealing a beautiful smile. You’ve got this!
We look forward to seeing you back in the clinic for your first checkup and adjustment. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us online or book an appointment. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
