The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth takes 24 hours to completely secure. You can eat anytime after leaving our office. We’ll provide you with a list of foods that may prove harmful to braces, and we ask that you avoid these foods. During the first few days, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.
Initially, the braces feel like they “stick out.” Rest assured, this feeling is very normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will go away. Although the brackets are rounded and smoothed, you may find it helpful to place a small piece of orthodontic wax around a bracket if it is creating an irritation — at least until your cheek tissues have adapted. If your supply of wax runs out, please don’t hesitate to call our office for more. You may also purchase orthodontic wax at local drug stores. Rinsing three times daily with warm salt water for two to three minutes will also help ease any irritations.
You’ll probably also notice some discomfort within a few hours after your braces are placed, or the next day. Some teeth (usually the front teeth) may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness beginning in the first eight hours. Exactly when the discomfort ends differs with each patient, but this usually eases within the first week. We recommend that you take non-prescription pain remedies such as Advil or Aleve to make you more comfortable. For best results, it’s best to take a pain remedy before any discomfort begins.