Braces & Invisalign Blogs

What to Expect the First Months of Having Braces

Braces are a powerful tool in orthodontics, offering both health and cosmetic benefits that can enhance your confidence and quality of life. At Frugé Orthodontics, we believe in making the sometimes lengthy orthodontic journey as smooth and comfortable as possible for our patients. Whether you're a teenager stepping into this new phase or an adult who's decided it's never too late for a change, we're here to ensure that your path to a beautiful smile is clear and rewarding.

Initial Braces Consultation Process

The first step on your braces journey begins with an initial consultation at Frugé Orthodontics. This crucial meeting is where we get to know you, your dental history, and your orthodontic goals. Using a combination of visual examination and state-of-the-art imaging technology, we assess the current state of your teeth and jaws to design a personalized treatment plan. This session is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you might have. We believe in transparent communication and will walk you through each option, ensuring you're informed and comfortable with your treatment choice.

Preparation Steps

Once you've decided to proceed with braces, there are a few preparatory steps to ensure your teeth are ready. A thorough dental cleaning is recommended to start the treatment with a clean, healthy mouth. In some cases, tooth extractions may be necessary to create space for teeth to move into their correct positions. We'll schedule your braces fitting, which is a longer appointment where your brackets will be placed and wires attached. It's a painless process, but knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety.

Setting Expectations

The appointment to fit your braces is a significant first step, and it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, during which we'll ensure you're as comfortable as possible. There's no need for anesthesia, as the process is pain-free, but you might experience a strange sensation as your mouth adjusts to the new brackets and wires. Before you leave, we'll provide you with all the necessary care instructions, tools, and reassurances you need to begin your journey confidently.

The First Week with Braces

The initial days after getting braces are a period of adjustment, not just for your teeth, but for your entire lifestyle. It's common to experience some discomfort as your teeth begin to move and your mouth adjusts to the presence of braces. You might feel pressure or soreness, which is a normal part of the process because your teeth are starting to align!

Managing Pain and Discomfort: To ease the discomfort during the first week, there are several strategies you can adopt:

Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage soreness. Always follow the dosage instructions or consult with us for recommendations.

Soft Foods Diet: Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes. This will help reduce the pressure on your teeth and gums.

Orthodontic Wax: We provide orthodontic wax to help protect the inside of your mouth from irritation caused by the braces. Applying a small amount over sharp or protruding parts can create a smooth surface and offer relief.

Oral Hygiene Challenges: Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes more crucial and slightly more challenging with braces. Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy:

Brushing Techniques: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing gently around each bracket and wire. We recommend brushing after every meal to prevent food particles from getting trapped.

Flossing Tools: Special orthodontic flossers or water flossers can help clean between the teeth and braces where a regular toothbrush can't reach.

Mouthwash Use: Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help remove any lingering particles and keep your mouth healthy.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Adjusting Your Diet and Staying Active

With braces, some dietary adjustments are necessary to protect your orthodontic appliances and ensure effective treatment. Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage braces. Steer clear of foods like nuts, caramel, gum, and hard candies. Also, biting into hard fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) can be harmful; instead, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. For those sweet or crunchy cravings, opt for braces-friendly alternatives like smoothies, dairy products, and soft fruits.

Physical activity, including sports, can and should continue. A protective mouthguard is essential for contact sports to prevent injuries and damage to your braces.

Social and Psychological Aspects

It's common to feel self-conscious about wearing braces, especially in the beginning. Embrace your braces as part of your unique journey. Many people wear braces, and there's a community out there sharing this experience. If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk about it. Our team is here to support you, and connecting with others who have braces can provide invaluable advice and encouragement.

Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Braces in Top Condition

An essential part of your braces journey involves regular check-ups with your orthodontist. These appointments are crucial for adjusting your braces to ensure your teeth are moving correctly and to monitor your overall oral health. Typically scheduled every 4-6 weeks, these visits allow us to make any necessary adjustments to the wires and brackets, change bands, and assess progress. They're also the perfect opportunity for you to raise any concerns or questions you might have about your treatment or care routine.

Dealing with Common Issues

Despite your best efforts, you might encounter some common issues with braces, such as loose brackets or broken wires, and it's important to know not to panic and how to handle these situations. If a bracket becomes loose, it's often still attached to the wire. Leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax for comfort. Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for advice and to schedule a repair. A broken wire can cause discomfort. Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end and call for an appointment. Avoid cutting the wire, as this could lead to swallowing or inhaling the piece.

Cleaning Tools and Techniques

Keeping your braces and teeth clean is paramount, and there are special tools available to help you accomplish this. Interdental brushes are small brushes that are perfect for cleaning around brackets and wires, removing plaque and food particles that a regular toothbrush might miss. An excellent alternative to traditional floss, water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line, reaching areas that are difficult to clean with braces.

What to Expect in Terms of Results and Adjustments

Throughout your treatment, your braces will need periodic adjustments. These appointments are necessary to apply the right amount of pressure on your teeth to guide them into their correct positions. Initially, you might feel some discomfort or pressure after these adjustments, similar to when you first got your braces. This sensation is normal and should subside within a few days, signaling that your teeth are moving as intended.

Monitoring Teeth Movement and Alignment Progress

As your treatment progresses, you'll start to notice changes in the alignment of your teeth. This progress is exciting and a sign that your commitment is paying off. We'll monitor these changes closely during your check-ups, ensuring that your treatment plan is on track and making any necessary adjustments.

Managing Pressure and Discomfort

After adjustments, it's not uncommon to experience a feeling of pressure or mild discomfort. Just like in the initial adjustment period, sticking to a diet of soft foods can help minimize aches and pains. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also alleviate harsher times post-adjustment, but be sure to follow the recommended dosages. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your mouth can provide relief from inflammation and pain.

Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize

It's important to remember the reason behind your braces journey: achieving a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. While there may be moments of discomfort or impatience, the outcome will be well worth it. We're here to remind you of this end goal and to celebrate each milestone along the way. Your dedication and perseverance, coupled with our expertise and support, will lead to stunning results that will boost your confidence and quality of life. From the initial consultation to the regular adjustments and everything in between, Frugé Orthodontics is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

If you have any questions, concerns, or simply wish to share your experiences, we encourage you to reach out to us. Your feedback and stories are a source of inspiration for us and our community. Together, let's embrace this journey towards a brighter, more confident smile.