What to Expect During Your First Week with Braces

Getting braces isn’t on any teenager’s bucket list, but for many, it’s the gateway for a lifetime of gorgeous teeth. You may even find that people compliment you on your smile more often, after you complete orthodontic treatment in Columbia, SC. But the road to straighter teeth isn’t without a few bumps. Getting used to your braces takes about a week, depending upon the person. Don’t worry; you’ve got this! Here’s what to expect during your first week with braces.

Initial Adjustment Period

The first few days will invariably involve some discomfort. After all, your mouth has to adjust to having all this metal “stuff” inside! You’re going to feel pressure, tightness or mild soreness or pressure as your teeth slowly begin to shift. This is completely normal and should subside as your mouth gets used to the braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods, like yogurt, mashed potatoes or soup, can help you get through this period comfortably. Ice cream works, too!

Changes in Eating Habits

During your first week with braces and thereafter, you’ll need to adjust your diet. Sticky, hard or crunchy foods can damage your braces, so it’s best to stick to soft foods. Pass on the chewing gum! Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly will also help you avoid any discomfort. Over time, you’ll learn which foods work best for you, and your diet will return to normal with some minor modifications. Some tips? Try smoothies, milk shakes and yogurts.

Increased Saliva Production

It’s common for your mouth to produce more saliva than usual as it adjusts to the new hardware. This increase in saliva production will likely decrease after a few days once your mouth becomes accustomed to the braces. It’s normal, so don’t sweat it.

Oral Hygiene Routine

You’re going to need to adjust your oral hygiene routine to prevent food from getting trapped in your braces. This is a great time to shop for a cool new water flosser!

Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up appointments are essential for your orthodontist in Columbia, SC to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces. So get used to visiting your orthodontist more often.

By the end of the first week, you’ll start to feel more comfortable with your braces, and the initial soreness will fade. Now you can focus on the outcome!