Initially, the braces feel like they “stick out.” This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets are round and smooth, until the cheek tissues have “toughened,” you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more.

You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be “tender” and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness beginning during the first eight hours and dissipating within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts, such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

There are routine steps that we ask that you complete prior to leaving the office. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit:

1. Using your finger and tongue, check that wire ends do not extend into areas that might poke or abrade the tongue or cheek.
2. Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing headgear or elastics as instructed, activating an expander or following specific hygiene or diet instructions.
3. Make sure you have an adequate supply of orthodontic wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands or other related materials you may need between appointments.
4. Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1-2 weeks after an appointment to schedule your next office visit complicates the scheduling process, since appointments are programmed 4-10 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.
5. Make sure that your questions about treatment are answered. Treatment goes better when everyone understands the treatment process.

Good brushing is essential during your orthodontic treatment! Failure to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth can result in unattractive marks and/or cavities on your teeth. We also recommend the daily use of any ADA approved fluoride rinse, as well as fluoride toothpaste. We monitor your brushing techniques at each visit and will be happy to help you if you need some assistance with perfecting your technique.

The braces on your teeth are durable if common sense is used when choosing the food you eat. In general, hard, sticky (such as gum) and crunchy foods should be avoided. These foods with distort wires, loosen bands and break brackets. By eating smart, you will avoid the inconvenience and expense of extra office visits for repair and not prolong treatment time.

Most patients will be required to wear headgear or rubber bands at some time during the course of treatment. Success in treatment is directly tied to patient compliance. Your cooperation is the most important factor in determining whether or not treatment is finished on time! If you are asked to help by wearing rubber bands or headgear, please follow instructions closely.