The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly but takes several hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office; however, we ask that you remember the list of foods that may be harmful to your braces that we have listed below. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of all soft foods.

Initially, the braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed and 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. The wax may also be purchased at a local drug store.

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 patients have some soreness beginning during the first few hours and dissipating within a day or two. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs with each patient. Non-prescription pain remedies are recommended for discomfort. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Before Leaving the Office

There are routine steps that we ask you to take 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:

• Using your finger tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.
• Make sure you understand what to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing headgear or elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need in between appointments. Always schedule your next appointment before leaving your current appointment, since appointments are programmed 4-8 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.