If you’re being fitted for braces, you’re probably curious how the process will go.

Your appointment can take up to two hours. Depending on the type of braces you’re getting, the procedure can be completed in one or two visits.

In this post, we’ll talk about what you can expect at your appointment, what the first few days will be like, and how you can adjust to wearing braces.

What to expect

• If your back molars are too close to each other, your orthodontist might put spacers or bands about a week before getting your braces. These spacers help make room for the bands that will be placed around your back molars. Expect your mouth to feel a bit sore after the procedure, and be careful not to dislodge your spacers.

• On your next appointment, your orthodontist removes your spacers and cleans your teeth thoroughly. They make sure to dry your teeth completely before proceeding to the next step.

• Once your teeth are ready, they glue the brackets or the small metal devices on the center of each tooth.

• Afterward, they fit metal bands around your back teeth. They choose the right size for the bands, see if they fit properly, and then glue them using blue light. They slide the band onto the teeth and maneuver them in place. This step may also feel uncomfortable so let your orthodontist know if anything doesn’t feel right so they can make adjustments.
• Next, they attach archwires to your brackets and make sure to turn away their ends so they won’t poke your cheeks.

• Then, they use bands to keep your archwires in place. You can choose which band colour you want.

• Once the procedure is done, your orthodontist provides you with supplies, such as an interdental brush and orthodontic wax, to help keep your teeth clean and reduce any discomfort.

Be sure to maintain your follow-up appointments. Missing any could extend the duration of your treatment.

First few days with braces

You may feel some discomfort after getting your braces on. This can last through the first week up to the first month. Your mouth may also feel sore when you eat but there are ways to relieve this.

• You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and use orthodontic wax to avoid irritation. You may also try gargling with warm saltwater.

• While adjusting to your new appliance, eat soft food, such as pasta, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, fish, eggs, and soft fruits and vegetables.

• Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky food that can cling to or damage your wires and brackets. Your mouth will be harder to clean so it helps to stick to a soft food diet in the meantime.

• Since debris can easily get trapped in your braces, it helps to clean your mouth after every meal. Floss your teeth or at least rinse your mouth if you cannot brush immediately.

• If you’re active in sports or playing musical instruments, it may take more time to adjust with your braces on. Protect your teeth by wearing a custom mouthguard. Let your orthodontist know right away if your wires or brackets are damaged or if the soreness in your mouth won’t subside.

The first few days or the first month may be challenging, but don’t forget to wear a smile.

Remember you’re on your way to a beautiful, straight set of teeth. And next thing you know, you already are used to wearing your braces. Periodic adjustments and eating will no longer be as uncomfortable as they were before.

Interested in getting fitted for braces in Kitchener, ON?

Here at Orthodontic Smile Studio in Kitchener, we offer a range of orthodontic options to help you achieve the smile you want. To learn more about the steps involved in getting braces or to find out which orthodontic appliance is most suitable for your situation, contact us today for a complimentary consultation at (226) 929-8983.

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