You may be slightly concerned about how the braces would look and feel on you, and at the same time, excited to start your journey towards having a new and attractive smile. There is no doubt that the day you fit those braces will be a memorable one. And we are here to assure you that the end result will be worth every little discomfort.
The first day of braces
There are several things you can observe to prepare yourself for a fuss-free first day of braces.
1. The pain factor
The fortunate news is that the installation of your braces is not going to be painful. However, you might experience a slight discomfort and ache over the following days, and that is perfectly normal. In order to reduce the ache and discomfort, you can get pain relief medication over the counter, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, always consult the orthodontist before doing so.
The ache may take a few days to subside. Hence, follow the instructions on the packaging when taking the medication. You should not have any issues returning to work or school and resuming your daily lifestyle.
2. What you can and cannot eat
If you are experiencing aches and discomfort, you may want to avoid consuming chewy or hard foods. After fitting your braces, prepare your kitchen by getting lots of soft food options – foods that require minimal chewing effort, such as soup, fish, pasta, and mashed potatoes. For snacks and desserts, you can consider getting a yoghurt, smoothie, and soft fruits, such as dragon fruit, papaya, watermelon, and banana.
As soon as you feel less aches and discomfort after a few days, you can gradually resume your usual diet, starting with smaller pieces initially. Do take note that there are still some foods to avoid when you wear braces. It is best to avoid chewy or hard foods still. However, if you are going through treatment with removable or invisible braces, such as Invisalign, then you do not have to avoid any particular food.
3. Maintaining oral hygiene
Oral hygiene is of the utmost importance during your braces treatment. Our dentist will provide you with a quick tutorial on brushing and flossing your teeth once your braces are on. There are lots of hidden spots and crevices in the braces for bacteria to hide and multiply. Hence, you can trust that practising what you have been taught will be crucial to accessing these hidden areas.
4. Talking
Do not be alarmed if you talk with a slight lisp once your braces are on. It is completely normal as your lips and tongue will have to adapt to your “new mouth”. However, that should last only a few days, and you should be back to speaking as usual after that.
Additionally, some individuals may also develop ulcers in your mouth in the initial days. This may be due to accidental trauma from tooth brushing, or wire displacement due to biting on bulky foods. Fortunately, they will recover pretty quickly with topical medication and should clear after a few days.
Think about the last day
It might seem like a long road ahead on the first day of your braces treatment. However, time will fly by quickly as the teeth move into position. You will be amazed at how quickly you will adapt to your new braces. And just as quickly as they were put on, they will be off when your teeth are aligned, and you’ll get to enjoy a brand-new smile.
Here at BigSmile Dental Clinic, we offer an extensive range of orthodontic solutions, from traditional braces to lingual braces and Invisalign braces, all of which are affordable and fuss-free. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you so desire. Do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment.
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506