This is your guide to getting through your first two weeks with braces.
If you just got your braces, here’s what you need to know. The video above covers important information for your first two weeks. Northwest Orthodontics is happy you chose us for your orthodontic care. We're here to answer any questions or help you with any concerns you may have. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Great question. In fact, that’s probably the whole reason you are on this page right now. It varies, but in general, we tell people to give it about 5-7 days. If you are still experiencing the same amount of soreness after the first week, please contact us.
Go for soft foods while your teeth are tender. Enjoy smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or ice cream, to name a few. You could always go to the store and buy jars and jars of banana beef blended baby food because yum. Bet you are salivating at the moment just thinking about that combination. You’re welcome.
PSA - Dental wax can be used to create a smooth area over your braces to help reduce irritation of your lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums. Be sure to grab some at your next appointment!
Don’t worry; a few good tooth-brushings will erase those completely.
When you see yourself every day, it is sometimes hard to pick up on the subtle changes that your braces are producing, but hang in there. The result is going to be amazing!
That depends. Treatment plans vary by patient and may even change over time, but we will make sure you are updated on whether to wear your elastics when you come in for your regular check-ups/adjustments.
You’re DOOMED!!! Just kidding, we have you covered. You are welcome to stop by our office during business hours to pick up more, or feel free to give us a call, and we can mail them to you.
Bite blocks/Turbos will help correct your bite and protect your brackets from the pressure of being bitten down repeatedly. Eating only soft food right after you get your braces will help with getting used to these. After about a week, you will be a pro at maneuvering your bite to enjoy foods with more sustenance.
Just remember that a little goes a long way. Just dab a pea-sized amount of the NeutraMaxx toothpaste onto your toothbrush at bedtime and brush as normal. After you brush, don’t rinse your mouth out with water. Just spit out all the toothpaste. Be sure to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes.
First off, DON’T PANIC! It could happen, but it is a quick and easy fix. Just keep the bracket (if you haven’t accidentally had it for lunch) and give our office a call for an appointment, so you can come in to get it put back on the tooth. And don't worry about a swallowed bracket. The good news is, it shouldn't cause any problems going through. The bad news is, you won't gain any superpowers or metallic skeletons (there goes your X-Men gig).
Just give us a call and we will get you in to take care of that thorn in your side…of your mouth. Orthodontic wax can sometimes help reduce irritation in the meantime.
Try this trick: The braces wax wants a dry place to live, so try drying the tooth and bracket with a Q-tip; then, reapply the wax.
You certainly don’t have to get one, but we recommend it if possible. The standard plug-in flosser gets our vote over the cordless rechargeable ones that tend to break more easily and do not put out as much pressure. Here are a few to check out:
Just go with whatever pain reliever and dosage you would normally take for any minor ache or pain, such as a headache. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) works well for most people. If the soreness is really bad, alternating Ibuprofen with Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help.
Not at all! All of your brackets and wires can be easily cleaned around at your normal teeth cleaning appointments.
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