What Can You Expect in the First Week of Wearing Braces or Aligners?
Beginning with braces and aligners is taking the right direction towards bettering your teeth and smile. The first week may be slightly unpleasant because your mouth is getting used to something new. Most individuals are not sure what to expect. That is why the proper knowledge of the first few days will help ease the process and keep you on the right path to treatment. This blog is all about the essentials of what to expect, what to do, and how to handle your routine during the first few days of braces or aligners.
Day One: Setting the Course
You will not feel pain immediately after getting your braces and aligners put on, but after a few hours, your teeth may feel tight or sore. This is perfectly fine and is an indicator that the treatment is proceeding smoothly. You may use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate the pain. A cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek may also help ease the pain.
Consume Soft and Comforting Foods
In the first few days, it may feel like a challenge to eat. Your teeth will be sensitive, and it is therefore advisable to consume soft food that doesn’t need much chewing. Curd rice, mashed potatoes, dal, khichdi, soft fruits like bananas, and soups are good options. Biting hard foods like apples or chewing sticky foods like toffee is not only painful but also harms the braces or disturbs the alignment of the brackets.
Speech May Sound Different
It is quite common that others will notice that your speech has changed slightly, maybe with a mild lisp or muddled pronunciation. This is due to your tongue and mouth getting accustomed to the new appliance. Reading simple texts aloud or reading off words repeatedly will restore your ability to speak normally. After three or so days, your speech will return to normal.
Oral hygiene is becoming increasingly important
Taking good care of your teeth is more crucial than ever. With braces and aligners, food is easily trapped between brackets or between teeth. You should brush your teeth after meals and floss daily. Flossing may be hard to do, so if that is the case, use a floss thread or an interdental brush. Cleaning your aligners with soft brushes and regular rinses will ensure that your mouth stays healthy and fresh.
Deal with Discomfort the Smart Way
You will sometimes feel irritation in your mouth from the appliance rubbing against the inner cheeks. Use some orthodontic wax and cover anything that is poking or causing pain. Take only a small piece and roll it into a ball, and press it softly against the troublesome area. This will keep sore spots from arising and will keep your day more pleasant.
Additional Tips to Aid in Your Adjustment
⦁ Drink water frequently to keep from getting dry and keep yourself hydrated
⦁ Never chew on pens, pencils or nails
⦁ Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle cleaning
⦁ Obey all instructions from your orthodontist attentively
⦁ Keep to your schedule and appointments to ensure smooth progress
Having the right support is what makes all the difference
Adapting to braces and aligners during the first week is a bit challenging, but it is short-lived. Adopting the right habits and minor modifications, and soon you won’t even feel it. If you are in search of expert care and courteous assistance, Dental Care Solutions is where to turn. They ensure that comfort is always prioritised and provide the most sophisticated dental care in a congenial and hygienic environment.
Schedule an Appointment or Discover Our Procedures today at Dental Care Solutions and begin your new journey towards your own brighter and healthier smile.