A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

4 Tips For Your First Day In Braces

10 December 2015

Oscar Allen

So, you've made the decision to get braces, and you're already awaiting the day that you can get your braces taken off and reveal a beautiful, straight smile. Of course, before that day can come, you'll need to have your braces put on and likely wear them for a year or more. Wondering what you can do to prepare for your first day in braces? These tips are sure to help.

Stock Up on Soft Foods

Most people experience some discomfort in the first few days of having braces; that's because your teeth will be moving as soon as those braces and wires are put on--something you're not used to feeling. To reduce discomfort, you may want to stick to softer foods that don't require a great deal of chewing, especially during that first day. Before your appointment, run to your local grocery store and pick up foods like yogurts, soups, mashed potatoes, and noodles.

Snap a "Before" Photo

As you spend the next months (or years, depending on your treatment plan) in braces, there are probably going to be times when you feel impatient and want nothing more than to have them taken off. This is where it can be helpful to have a "before" photo of your teeth to go back and look at. As the weeks and months pass by, you'll be gradually seeing your teeth straighten behind your braces, so taking a look at the "before" picture you snapped on the day you had your braces put on can help you see the progress and improve your motivation as well.

Time Your Appointment

All too often, patients won't plan their appointment times carefully. On the day you have your braces put on, you're going to want some time to adjust to the foreign objects in your mouth. You'll probably have a difficult time speaking, eating, and drinking. The last thing you want, then, is to have your braces put on in the morning and then have to go into work or school immediately after! Give yourself some time to adjust by scheduling your appointment for later in the day or for a day that you're not busy.

Ask for Some Dental Wax

Finally, if your orthodontist or dentist doesn't offer you some dental wax to take home with you, don't hesitate to ask for it. A small amount of this can help to reduce any irritation caused by your metal brackets rubbing up against your lips and gums.

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