Knowing and Being Informed

You may be wondering, “Do braces hurt?” Discomfort experienced from braces is manageable. The benefits should outweigh your anxiety. A little education can help you immensely through the process.

During the placement of braces, you may expect a minimal degree of discomfort as this is the first time your teeth and gums will experience a different pushing and pulling force. In the first few hours after the braces are placed it may take longer to eat meals, but this is largely because it takes some time to adjust to wearing the braces and to learn to chew with them. It’s best to stick with softer foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, shakes, soup, and macaroni and cheese. As the day progresses you may begin to feel slight discomfort as the teeth begin to move.

On the first three days after the application of braces, you may feel some discomfort. This is because the teeth are beginning the realignment process and are not used to the pressure of the archwire and elastic ties. You’ll still be getting used to the pressure of the wires and elastic ligatures. OTC pain medication such as ibuprofen will provide relief. You can also rinse with salt water to help alleviate discomfort and swelling.

You can also apply wax to the braces to keep them from rubbing against the inside of your mouth using instructions provided you by your orthodontist on how to use it.

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Lingual Braces

They are constructed much like traditional braces, but the brackets and archwires are placed on the backs of the teeth. Similarly, caring for this appliance behind your teeth is just like other traditional braces, however, their location makes it a bit difficult for you may not see if they are damaged or if you have sufficiently removed all food particles around them. Nonetheless, regular, careful inspection of your wires and brackets is even more vital.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

The makers of Invisalign® recommend keeping these devices in the mouth 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only when you have to brush your teeth and eat. That means care for your teeth and appliance is much easier. Brush your teeth as you would after meals, floss once a day. After brushing, clean the aligners by brushing and rinsing them before putting them back in your mouth.

Make sure your aligners do not stain by avoiding dark, acidic beverages. Be careful in handling these appliances – to remove, pull gently, starting with the back teeth and working your way forward; to put back, push them into place with your fingertips using equal amounts of pressure on the left and right molars. Do not use force or sharp instruments.

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More Care Tips for Braces in Bellevue

No matter what type of brace you choose with us at Overlake Dental, the key to avoiding unnecessary repair costs and extended treatment is proper care for braces.

Making Investments Last Longer

Getting braces for your teeth can be a large financial investment. Hence, meticulous care for braces is crucial, as is caring for your teeth and gums. Here are some tips for you and your kids – whether that’s traditional braces, lingual braces or Invisalign® – that can help protect your investment and ensure good oral health during and after treatment.

Traditional Braces

Plaque easily collects around the brackets of traditional braces. Poor oral hygiene while wearing braces can lead to gum disease and permanent staining of the teeth. So, gently brush around your brackets and wires after every meal using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss once a day and swish with an over-the-counter fluoride mouthrinse.

Regularly inspect your braces each time you clean your teeth to check for loose or broken wires or brackets. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods, like nuts, gum, gummy bears or popcorn. Don’t bite into hard fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots as they can damage the wiring; better to cut them up into smaller pieces. Discard damaging habits like chewing on your nails, pen caps or ice that can break your braces. Use protective mouthguards during sports that not only protects the cheeks and lips from serious cuts, but also prevent damage to your braces in the event of falls or a direct hit to the face.

Lingual Braces

They are constructed much like traditional braces, but the brackets and archwires are placed on the backs of the teeth. Similarly, caring for this appliance behind your teeth is just like other traditional braces, however, their location makes it a bit difficult for you may not see if they are damaged or if you have sufficiently removed all food particles around them. Nonetheless, regular, careful inspection of your wires and brackets is even more vital.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

The makers of Invisalign® recommend keeping these devices in the mouth 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only when you have to brush your teeth and eat. That means care for your teeth and appliance is much easier. Brush your teeth as you would after meals, floss once a day. After brushing, clean the aligners by brushing and rinsing them before putting them back in your mouth.

Make sure your aligners do not stain by avoiding dark, acidic beverages. Be careful in handling these appliances – to remove, pull gently, starting with the back teeth and working your way forward; to put back, push them into place with your fingertips using equal amounts of pressure on the left and right molars. Do not use force or sharp instruments.

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