When our patients are getting braces for the first time, there are several things that they don’t know, but it is helpful for them to be prepared. Here are a few important tips for our patients to make getting braces an easier process.

Tip 1: Things to Do Before Your Appointment

Our patients should prepare for an appointment by visiting a dentist to have treatments for cavities. During this treatment, you should have a deep cleaning to remove plaque from your teeth. Make sure to visit the supermarket to buy soft foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes or canned soups.

Tip 2: What to Expect During Your Appointment

During your appointment for braces, your teeth are cleaned again to prepare for the attachment of the brackets. Our professional and friendly orthodontists at Speaks Orthodontics will apply the bonding substance for the brackets to the front or the back of the teeth. After the brackets are placed on the teeth, our orthodontist will insert the bottom and top archwires to the brackets. While our orthodontists work quickly, this process does require time.

Tip 3: How to Cope with Discomfort after the Appointment

After your orthodontic appointment, you can expect to feel discomfort and soreness, so it’s important to use ice packs on your face and to drink a lot of water to reduce the tenderness. You can also apply dental wax or numbing ointment on your gums several times each day. Make sure to consume a soft diet to protect the brackets or wires of your braces and to avoid irritating your gums.