Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a healthier, straighter smile. While the end result is well worth it, the journey does come with some changes and adjustments. Knowing what to expect after getting braces can help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the experience ahead.
1. Initial Discomfort
It’s completely normal to feel some soreness or discomfort during the first few days after getting your braces. Your teeth and gums are adjusting to the pressure applied by the brackets and wires. You might also experience some irritation on the inside of your cheeks and lips where the brackets rub. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help ease the discomfort during this time.
2. Changes in Eating Habits
Your diet will need a bit of an overhaul now that you have braces. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. As you adjust, you can expand your diet, but it’s important to avoid certain foods throughout your treatment. Sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like gum, popcorn, nuts, caramel, and hard candy can damage your braces and set back your progress.
3. Extra Attention to Oral Hygiene
Braces can trap food particles easily, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. You’ll need to brush and floss more diligently than ever. Special tools like interdental brushes, floss threaders, and water flossers can make cleaning around brackets and wires easier. Your orthodontist may also recommend fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth.
4. Regular Orthodontic Appointments
Once your braces are on, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist regularly—usually every 4 to 6 weeks. During these appointments, your orthodontist will check your progress, adjust wires, and make sure everything is moving as planned. Some appointments may cause your teeth to feel sore afterward, but the sensation usually passes in a couple of days.
5. Speech and Appearance Adjustments
You might notice some changes in your speech at first, especially with sounds like “s” or “sh.” This is temporary, and your tongue will adapt quickly. It’s also completely normal to feel a little self-conscious about your appearance at the beginning, but most people get used to how they look with braces in no time—and others are usually far less focused on it than you think!
6. Exciting Results Over Time
Although you won’t see dramatic changes overnight, you will start to notice subtle shifts in your teeth over time. These changes can be very motivating, and they serve as a reminder that the process is working. Staying consistent with your care routine and following your orthodontist’s instructions will help ensure the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
Getting braces is a commitment, but it’s one that comes with big rewards. Expect some discomfort, changes in your daily routine, and regular visits to your orthodontist—but also expect steady progress toward a healthier, more confident smile. Stay patient, take care of your braces, and trust the process—it’ll be worth it in the end.
Contact Beauty Smile Orthodontics for a consultation. We provide orthodontic treatment for every member of the family. Reach out to us here to achieve your smile goals.