Getting braces is an exciting day and the start of your smile journey but can also be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. At Louisville Orthodontics, we want everyone to feel comfortable and excited when they come in for their big day! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you know exactly what to expect when you come in to get your braces on, as well as what the following days will look like. Whether you’re a teen, parent, or adult patient, this post will help you feel ready and reassured every step of the way.
The Day of:
1. A Warm Welcome at Louisville Orthodontics
When you arrive at our office in Prospect, KY to start your treatment, our friendly team will welcome you and walk you through the process. If you’ve already had your consultation and imaging done, we’ll jump right into prepping your teeth for brackets. Make sure you eat before you arrive and also brush your teeth to make sure they are ready to go!
2. Applying the Braces
The hardest part of placing the brackets is keeping your mouth open and your teeth dry. A cheek retractor (like the one in the game “Speak Out”) will gently hold your cheeks away from your teeth. We will then thoroughly clean and dry your teeth while you lay back and relax! Next, we will place a special bonding glue and carefully place each bracket. Once they are in place, we will use a UV light to harden the glue. Lastly, we will tie in the initial wire with the color rings to start moving the teeth!
The whole process usually takes about 1 hour, and it’s completely painless. You might feel some pressure as the wire is placed, but there’s no drilling, poking, or numbing required.
3. Instructions and Supplies
Before you leave, we’ll show you how to care for your braces and avoid common pitfalls. At Louisville Orthodontics, you’ll be sent home with a take-home kit including essentials like orthodontic wax, a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss threaders, and more. You’ll also get a Louisville Orthodontics electric Quip toothbrush that is perfect to keep in a backpack or purse to brush on the go!
The First Few Hours
When you leave Louisville Orthodontics, your mouth might still feel completely normal. This is a good time to make sure you get some food into your belly before the soreness kicks in. About 4-6 hours later, your teeth may start to feel sore. This discomfort is totally normal and a sign that your braces are doing their job by applying gentle pressure to shift your teeth.
The First 24–72 Hours: What to Expect
1. Soreness and Sensitivity
The first few days after getting braces, your teeth and gums will likely feel sore or tender, especially when you bite or chew. Your cheeks and lips may also need some time to adjust to the feeling of brackets and wires.
Here are a few things that can help:
- Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, pasta, and soup.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as tolerated if needed.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that may be irritating the inside of your mouth.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation.
2. Adjusting Your Diet
It’s best to avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods that could damage your braces. In the first week, stick to soft foods to avoid soreness of your teeth and prevent breaking brackets. As your mouth adjusts, you’ll slowly be able to reintroduce more foods—but steer clear of anything too hard, sticky, or chewy throughout your treatment.
Braces Care Tips from Your Louisville Orthodontist
By the end of your first week with braces, most of the initial discomfort should be gone, and your new routine will start to feel more natural.
Here are a few tips for a smoother transition:
- Stay consistent with oral hygiene. Brush after every meal, floss once a day, and use any orthodontist-recommended rinses. Using a fluoride toothpaste will help prevent cavities through treatment.
- Check for loose brackets or wires. If something feels off, give our office a call—we’re here to help.
- Keep a braces-safe snack stash. Having soft, orthodontist-approved snacks on hand will keep you from reaching for something that could damage your braces.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to protect your braces and your mouth. Especially with contact sports, there is a risk of the brackets and wires getting lodged into the cheeks or lips.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
We are always available for any questions you may have about your treatment but we would like for you to call us if you experience any of the following:
- A loose bracket or band
- A poking wire causing pain or ulcers
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve after a few days
- Signs of infection, such as swelling or bleeding that doesn’t stop
We’re always just a phone call away and happy to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your braces journey.
Ready to Get Started?
If you or your child are considering braces in Louisville, KY, schedule a free consultation with Louisville Orthodontics today. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and make sure your experience is a positive one from day one.