After beginning your orthodontic treatment with Farley Orthodontics, there is a lot you’ll need to adjust to. The beginning few days of braces can be difficult to navigate, so it’s important to know what to expect. These are a few things you may experience during your first few days of braces treatment.

Some Soreness

One of the biggest adjustments individuals go through during the first few days of having braces is some slight soreness. Your teeth are beginning to adjust, and it’s normal for your mouth to feel sore in the first few days. Over the counter pain medication is a good investment for your well-being during these first few days, and can make the transition easier. However, if the pain lasts longer than a few days, it may be good to check in with your orthodontist to make sure everything’s going okay. The pain is normal with the adjustments, but it shouldn’t last longer than a few days. Any extended pain could mean a wire needs adjusting.

Soft Foods

Because your teeth are extra sensitive during these first few days, it’s best to stick with softer foods that you won’t have to chew as much. Crunchier food like raw vegetables, crackers, and more can be too hard on your teeth and cause you some pain. Softer foods help you not have to use your teeth as much while they’re getting used to the adjustment. Cold foods can also help ease the pain. Yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and more are all great options. Eating these foods can help you adjust to your braces without causing yourself further discomfort.

Keep Supplies Handy

There are some lifestyle adjustments that you also need to make when you first get braces. One of the most notable of these options is the need to brush your teeth after every meal. Keeping a “braces survival kit”  can help you be prepared for any scenario. Some good examples of things to keep in this kit are a toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, braces wax, some over-the-counter pain medication, and mints. Gum isn’t recommended for people with braces because it is sticky and chewy. These supplies can help keep you healthy and pain-free. Braces wax can help you avoid any rawness and cuts from your braces, and a toothbrush and toothpaste help keep your teeth clean. Keeping these supplies with you can help you adjust to your braces with the least amount of discomfort.

The first week of braces is the hardest. It’s a big transition to add new metal mechanisms onto your teeth that begin to shift and adjust them. There can be a lot of discomfort and difficulty remembering the new steps you need to add to your routine. These tips may make the transition a little easier.

To learn more about what you might expect from the braces process, click here!