Once your braces are on, you can expect a little discomfort as you get used to the new appliance in your mouth. You can also expect to spend about a week getting used to your new braces. The orthodontist can give you dental wax to apply to your braces if they are irritating your cheeks or tongue.
You will need to continue to brush and floss your teeth. However, because your braces, you should spend more time brushing around the brackets and getting rid of plaque. You should ask your dentist about an interdental cleaner to help you reach the areas that your brush might miss. You need to use waxed floss to keep it from getting snagged in your braces. A floss threader can help you with the process, or you might talk to your orthodontist about using a water flosser. You should continue to see your regular dentist for cleanings and exams.
Watch your what you eat as well, such as sticky or hard foods can our braces. Caramel, popcorn and nuts can damage or get stuck in your braces.
From time to time, your braces may become damaged. If this happens, contact your orthodontist. Depending on the nature of the damage, he may want to see you as soon as possible, or might have you wait until your next appointment. If you have broken a wire, try to push it into a place where it will not irritate your mouth, or use dental wax to keep the irritation down.
If you are interested in getting braces, our orthodontist, Dr. David Li at San Diego Orthodontic Specialists in San Diego, California, would love to see you. You can make an appointment by calling our office at 858-487-8900.