is a significant milestone to celebrate! Of course, excitement aside, the event can create feelings of apprehension and nervousness no matter if you’re a teen or adult. Understanding what lies ahead can transform uncertainty into confidence as you prepare for the moment our Gainesville and Lake City, FL, orthodontists secure the brackets on your teeth.
Here’s a clear overview of what will happen during your appointment as well as what we recommend you do after.
Breaking Down How Braces Are Applied
Assuming you haven’t chosen Invisalign® clear aligners to straighten your smile, most bonding appointments follow the same steps. You can expect the entire application to take 1-2 hours to complete so if you’d like to bring headphones along to pass the time, that’s fine!
Placing braces will involve the following:
- First, your teeth are cleaned completely, and a cheek retractor is put in your mouth to keep your teeth dry and easily visible.
- We’ll then lightly air dry your teeth once more and apply a solution designed to prepare the tooth surface for bonding.
- Once the teeth are properly prepared, we’ll apply bonding cement to the backs of the brackets and place them securely on your teeth.
- The adhesive will be hardened using a curing light so your ceramic or metal braces stay on throughout treatment.
- We’ll finish by running the archwire through the braces and hold them in place with elastic bands which come in a variety of colors.
Is It a Painful Experience?
You shouldn’t feel any pain while we put on your metal or ceramic braces. Some pressure, sure, but nothing during the process should cause noticeable discomfort. Generally, it isn’t until about an hour or two after your appointment that you’ll feel tenderness.
Not every patient is the same, however, and some may only notice this when eating. If at any point in the you do experience a heightened level of sensitivity or pain, please do not hesitate to let our staff know. We will always do our best to minimize any discomfort and make sure you have an enjoyable time in the chair.
Navigating Care Post-Application
It’s totally normal to have some . Think about it: your mouth is still adjusting to having brackets and wires involved! Fortunately, there are ways to get through the first few days of having braces on.
If you’re experiencing a mild headache or some jaw discomfort, we recommend trying an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Brands like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve will work just fine. For numbing certain tender areas in the mouth, an oral anesthetic like Orajel can help.
Our orthodontists also recommend that you go easy for those initial days following your visit and only choose foods that are easier to chew. Below are some good choices:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Soft fruits (i.e., bananas, berries, etc.)
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Steamed/soft vegetables
Once your teeth and gums aren’t so tender, you can go back to eating more normal, braces-friendly foods. Have questions during this stage? Feel free to ask one of our orthodontics offices and we’ll guide you through whatever issue you encounter.
Ready for Braces?
As you approach the day you’re scheduled to get braces, it’s normal to feel a bit antsy. Remember, this is a positive move towards achieving the smile you’ve always wanted and our , are here to answer any questions you may have. Call one of our Progressive Orthodontics offices today to request an appointment.
