What to Expect During Treatment
Your mouth can go through quite a lot of changes when you're wearing braces. Having an idea of what to expect at the outset can really help make the treatment process go more smoothly.
General Soreness
When your braces are first applied, your mouth may feel a bit sore in general, and your teeth might be extra sensitive to biting pressures for three to five days.
You may also experience this type of discomfort after adjustment appointments.
The mild soreness described above could be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water wash.
To make one, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth with the solution vigorously.
If the discomfort is severe, take an aspirin, or whatever over-the-counter painkiller you normally would take for headache or similar pain.
Your cheeks, lips, and tongue may also become somewhat irritated for a couple of weeks when you first get your braces. Apply dental wax on braces to lessen this. We'll show you how!
Loose Teeth
Don't worry! Loose teeth are completely normal at various points throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved, but they will eventually become rigidly fixed in their new – corrected – positions.
After Adjustment Appointments
After an adjustment appointment, be prepared to feel some tightness that, will progress to soreness, lasting approximately 4 - 6 hours after the adjustment procedure.
This soreness is the result of the replacement wires tightening the teeth into position. Over-the-counter pain relievers are useful in relieving this temporary pain.