Getting Braces for the First Time? 3 Problems You Will Experience

Posted on: 18 September 2017

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If you are getting braces for the first time you are likely wondering what it is going to be like having something always on your teeth. Fortunately, over time you will get used to your braces. In the meantime, however, you will notice certain problems, four of which are listed below. This way you can be prepared for your braces.

Food Will Get Stuck in Your Braces

One of the main problems you will have with braces is getting food stuck in them. There are foods you should never eat while wearing braces, such as popcorn, sticky foods, chewy foods, and hard foods. Even if you do not eat these foods you will still find food in your braces after eating at times.

Always carry a pocket mirror with you so you can check your braces after you eat. If you see food, swish your mouth out with water. If the food is stuck, try to get it out with a toothpick. You can also purchase an interdental toothbrush. The orthodontist will give you tools to take home that work well to get food out of braces. Carry napkins with you at all times in case you get food out with a toothpick.

You'll Experience Sores & Cuts in Your Mouth

You will experience having sores and cuts in your mouth while wearing braces. You will often get sores on the inside of your bottom and upper lips because they rub on your braces. This can especially happen while you are eating as your braces rub against your inside bottom and upper lip as you chew.

There really is nothing you can do about this other than to eat soft foods all the time. Over time, however, the inside of your mouth will become less susceptible and you will experience less problems.

Getting Braces Tightened Hurts

You will have to periodically have your braces tightened. This is because your teeth are slowly shifting as the braces are straightening your teeth. As they shift the braces must be tightened. To help with this, take some ibuprofen a couple of hours before you go to help with the pain afterward.  You should start feeling better after getting your braces tightened in a few hours.

Talk with your orthodontist if you have any questions about getting braces. They can go over the braces procedure with you in detail so you can understand what is going to happen.