What To Expect Immediately After Getting Braces

Now that your braces are fitted, you are on the way to a more confident, radiant smile. Getting your teeth adjusted is a big step which takes time and a level of commitment. At this point, you will have come very far and have probably learned more about your teeth than you ever thought possible. Over the course of a number of appointments, we will have measured your mouth, given you x-rays, and discussed your treatment at some length. Some of the things we will have discussed are the steps involved, caring for your new orthodontic appliances, the adjustment phase of the treatment, follow-ups, and a number of other important aspects of getting braces. For most people, this wealth of information, can be slightly overwhelming and can leave you with questions after you are done with your fitting appointment. To help with this, we will give you a packet of information for you to read.  Additionally, we are always available to answer a question over the phone or during one of your routine follow-up visits. 

Adjusting to new braces does take a few days. This initial period can be the most uncomfortable, but the discomfort will fade quickly. During the first few days, your mouth will need to get used to the idea of a foreign substance in the mouth that takes up more space than just your teeth. You could also have some level of pain, which is easily controlled by over the counter medication. This adjustment typically lasts no more than a day or two, and while nobody ever fully gets used to braces, pretty soon your mouth will accept the presence of the braces and they will not bother you at all. 

In order to feel more comfortable we recommend that you use over the counter Tylenol to control the pain, and advise staying away from Ibuprofen. Tylenol contains acetaminophen, usually recommended for pregnant women and children because it is a safer pain reliever. On the other hand, Ibuprofen can slow down the movement of the teeth, which interferes with the treatment, and hence we advise against taking it while wearing braces. Ibuprofen makes up the major ingredient in medications like Advil and Motrin so avoid these as well. You can also feel better by using a cool compress to help ease any swelling.

Immediately after having braces placed you should eat soft foods in order to avoid irritation.  After that, there are some dietary restrictions that come with braces. This is necessary because braces can become damaged or lose if you eat very hard foods or have to chomp down with a great deal of pressure. Ice cubes, popcorn, and sticky candy can all cause this damage, and you will need to avoid these until your treatment is complete. Part of your reading material will include a complete list of foods that you need to avoid, and we always recommend calling us to confirm if you are uncertain about a certain type of food.

How to Take Care of Your Braces

Once your braces are firmly on your teeth the work of straightening your smile can start.  Your Orthodontist will examine and inspect your braces on a regular basis.  At each visit, they will be adjusted by changing or tightening your wires, changing your rubber bands, and anything else that the orthodontist recommends.

In between visits, it is important to care for your teeth at home.  Eating the wrong thing or failing to brush and floss properly can lead to complications and make the process last longer.  The typical time a patient has them on is around two years.  A delay or complication can extend the process out much farther.

Here are tips for how you can care for your braces and teeth at home.

·         Brush after meals.  Do not wait for the evening to brush your teeth.  Carry a soft toothbrush with you and use it after every meal and some snacks.  This will help to remove food that has gotten stuck around your braces and will help to prevent staining and cavities.

·         Use a wire brush.  A special wire brush can be used to clean the plaque off from around your braces.  Its small pointed tip can get into small spaces.

·         Floss daily.  There are flossing tools that are made for patients with braces.  Use this at least once a day.  Food and bacteria will become trapped on and in between your teeth if you are not careful with your oral care habits.

·         Use mouthwash.  Instead of chewing gum, use an antiseptic mouthwash.  This will kill bacteria that is forming in your mouth, on your teeth, and gums.  It is also safer since gum tends to be sticky and can even cause your rubber bands or wires to become loose.

·         Drink water.  Substitute soda, juice, coffee, and other sugar filled liquids with water.  Your overall health may improve, and you will prevent sugar and bacteria from sitting on your teeth throughout the day. 

·         Visit the dentist.  Continue with your preventative care treatments.

·         Avoid candy.  Biting down on hard candy can cause your braces to become damaged.  Any damage to your braces will elongate the amount of time you have to wear them. Additionally, caramels and other soft chewy candies can become stuck in your braces which creates a risk of getting cavities.

·         Stay away from hard foods.  Things like nuts, ice, carrots, and hard pizza crust can all damage your braces or the hard pieces can be stuck in between your brackets and cause pain.  If you want to eat these foods look for a softer version.  For example, steamed carrots, soft crust, and pecans instead of almonds.

Follow your orthodontists’ instructions on anything additional you need to do for your specific situation.  Make sure to attend all of your scheduled appointments so that your braces stay in the best shape possible, and your smile is straightened on time and on schedule.  By caring for teeth and braces, you will have a gorgeous smile in no time.

How Braces Can Improve Your Health and Your Smile

Traditionally braces have been used to transform a persons’ smile and appearance.  They can actually do much more. In addition to giving patients a stunning smile, they can also correct some dental health issues and decrease the pain that is associated with them.  The staff at MG Dental are experts at improving peoples’ smiles and oral health.

Here are some ways a patients’ health can improve.

Bad Bite or Malocclusion

When a persons’ bite is off it can impact their ability eat property and cause discomfort and jaw pain.  Adjusting the bite takes time and orthodontics.  Not only do the teeth need to move but the bite has to be aligned so that the top teeth fit securely over the bottom ones.  This is typically done with a rubber band system.  The orthodontist will provide instructions on how to string a rubber band from the top brackets to the bottom ones.  This will hold your bite in place throughout the day and evening.  At each appointment, the orthodontist will tell you if your rubber bands need to be worn differently or if you can stop wearing them all together.  The orthodontist may recommend additional ways to adjust your bite but by the time the braces are removed, your bite will also be aligned.

Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are crooked tend to trap food and bacteria.  It is difficult to brush them and to remove all of the bacteria that forms.  This can lead to an increased risk of cavities for that tooth along with the ones around it.  By straightening the tooth, or teeth, an orthodontist can help you to stay in good oral health and reduce these risks.

Jaw Pain

When your teeth are out of alignment, it can cause jaw pain.  These symptoms can manifest themselves as TMJ.  Basically, at night people can tend to grind their teeth or clench them together which can cause sore jaw and face muscles.  At times, this can be corrected by wearing a mouth guard to bed, while other patients need to have their teeth straightened to prevent grinding and clenching.  Once braces are removed most people need to wear a retainer which can also prevent clenching and grinding.

In addition to improving a persons’ overall health, braces will improve their appearance.  A bright, straight smile is welcoming, and people with straight smiles feel more confident and self-assured.  They say that beauty comes from within and in many ways that is true.  The challenge is that when people feel insecure or unattractive, they don’t believe in their own beauty.  Sometimes, improving someone’s smile is all it takes to give them the confidence they need to believe in themselves and approach the world boldly.

The staff at MG Dental enjoy being part of this transformation and welcome new patients.  To learn how your smile can be transformed, call 718-416-6444 to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our experienced team members.