What to Expect: Getting Braces & Tips for the First Few Days

Getting Braces

Preparation
Preparation

Before your appointment, be sure to brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as possible. Some patients find it helpful to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol (or any pain reliever recommended by your doctor) before the appointment to ease any discomfort.

At the Office
Placing Braces and/or Appliances

First Few Days with Braces/Appliances:

  • Soreness: It’s normal to feel some discomfort in your mouth after getting braces and/or an expander, especially when they are first placed. Your teeth may feel sore for the first few days.
  • Aching Gums: Your gums may feel tender or swollen as they adjust. Over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen) can help, as well as using orthodontic wax on brackets that irritate your cheeks.
  • Mouth Irritation: The brackets or expander may rub against the inside of your mouth, causing irritation. Applying wax on the brackets or using a warm saltwater rinse can help soothe this.

Remember: it’s normal to feel discomfort as your teeth adjust, but over time, the pain will lessen. Stick to the routine, and you'll soon start seeing the benefits of your new smile!

Important: If you are experiencing extreme pain or you feel as if something has broken or become loose, please call our office immediately at 425-392-7533.

Eating with Braces:

  • Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods for the first few days (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups). Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the braces.
  • Cutting Food into Smaller Pieces: Cutting your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces can make it easier to eat.

Oral Hygiene Tips:

  • Brush After Every Meal: Food can get stuck in between your braces or expander, so it’s important to brush thoroughly after each meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss Daily: Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and braces

Follow-Up Care Braces:

  • Adjustments: You’ll return to Dr. Manley's office every 6-8 weeks for adjustments, where the wire will be adjusted to gradually move your teeth into place.
  • Regular Check-ups: Keep all your appointments to ensure your braces are working as planned and to address any concerns you might have.

Follow-Up Care for Expander:

  • Keep Your Expander Clean: Brush your expander gently with your toothbrush after each meal.
  • Talking and Eating: Talking and eating may feel a little awkward for the first few days. The more you practice reading out loud or talking, the easier it will become.
  • Monitor for Discomfort: Some soreness or pressure is normal, especially after turning the expander. If you experience excessive pain, contact our office.
  • Eating: Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup during the first few days to make chewing more comfortable. Avoid hard, sticky foods and candy that could get stuck.
  • Attend Regular Appointments: Return to the office as scheduled for adjustments and to ensure the expander is working properly.

WHAT TO EXPECT: INVISALIGN

Getting Invisalign

Initial Appointment
Initial Appointment

On the day of your first Invisalign appointment, Dr. Manley will fit you with your first set of aligners.

Attachments
Comfort Level
Duration of Wear

First Few Days with Invisalign:

  • Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pressure, especially during the first few days as your teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen, can help ease the discomfort.
  • Talking and Eating: Your speech may feel a bit different until you get used to the aligners. Practice talking and reading out loud to get more comfortable.
  • Mouth Irritation: If the edges of your aligners cause irritation to your gums or the inside of your cheeks because they feel rough, you can use orthodontic wax or a warm saltwater rinse to soothe any discomfort and call our office to have them smoothed out.

Important: If you experience extreme discomfort, irritation that doesn’t go away, or issues with the fit of your aligners, please call our office immediately at 425-392-7533.

Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners:

  • Clean Your Aligners: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water when you take them out. Brush them gently to keep them clean. You can also use the Invisalign cleaning crystals or soak them in denture cleaner to disinfect them.
  • Keep Your Aligners in the Case: When not in use, always store your aligners in the case provided to keep them clean and prevent damage.
  • Brush and Floss After Eating: Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking to avoid trapping food particles and bacteria between your teeth and the aligners.
  • Change Aligners Weekly: You will typically change to a new set of aligners every week. Follow the schedule provided by Dr. Manley, and always wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
  • Avoid Drinking Sugary Beverages: While wearing your aligners, avoid drinking sugary drinks like soda or juice, as these can get trapped under the aligners and increase the risk of cavities.
  • Regularly Check for Fit: Your aligners should fit snug on your teeth. If they feel loose or don’t fit properly, contact our office for a follow-up appointment.