We are all individuals and all have different needs.  Your dentist at the Straight Teeth Suite is very aware that once you have your dental braces fitted you may encounter a few issues you may not have been expecting.  Different patients respond differently to braces. To preempt this and to be sure you are fully informed in advance, we have compiled a comprehensive list of what you can expect, especially in the first few days.

Braces can be quite uncomfortable when they are first fitted but don’t worry; it is only temporary.  You have something that now feels alien in your mouth, and it feels awkward to chew.  We recommend a soft diet, in particular, nourishing soups while you adjust.

It is important to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy and avoid any breakages to minimise your treatment time and successfully straighten your teeth.

In the first few days following the fitting of your new dental braces you might experience:

  • Sore Teeth and Lips – which might feel uncomfortable for a few days or a couple of weeks.
  • Pain – which might resemble a headache in severity.  We all have different pain thresholds.  Some people don’t feel any pain while others need Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to help.
  • Bite Issues -If you have had bite guards placed at the back of your mouth, biting may be a bit awkward at first. This may cause a some discomfort that will go away in a few days as you adjust.
  • Rubbing – Braces, for some patients, cause pressure points as they move your teeth to the ideal position and might rub on your lips. If the wire is rubbing against your gum or lips, you can use the dental wax that comes in your brace kit provided by your dentist. Break a little piece off, soften and mold it with clean fingers and press it over the rubbing bracket and wire to protect your lips. But remember, if you are going to have a hot drink or something to eat, take the wax off first and place it back after you have finished.

Brushing your teeth and gums at least twice a day for three minutes is highly recommended to keep your mouth healthy. Don’t just focus around the brackets. Make sure you brush your gums as well. You can use teepee brushes to clean in between the brackets, where regular brushing won’t allow you to reach, and get rid of any trapped food. Your dentist or hygienist will help you pick the right size brush for you. Use a good mouthwash after you have cleaned your teeth.

If you notice any redness or swelling, let us know. Keep regular appointments with the hygienist to ensure your teeth clean and healthy and that plaque around the teeth and any of the brackets is totally removed.

Protect your braces by not eating hard, crunchy, or sticky food, such as chewing gum, toffees, and hard sweets, as the force can break a bracket.  It is advisable to cut your food into small pieces rather than biting into something like an apple. When chewing and eating, take your time, especially if you have had bite guards placed at the back.

Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens, and pencil tops or opening bottles with your teeth. These actions can obviously cause breakages. If you have a clear brace, such as the 6 Month brace, then your brackets and elastics may stain over time; they become discoloured with tea, coffee, red wine and some foods.

We hope you have a trouble-free experience with your braces.  However, don’t hesitate to contact the Straight Teeth Suite if you have a problem regarding your brace whether it is with pain or a breakage.

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