If you’re the parent or guardian of a child or teenager who’s getting braces, you might both be feeling somewhat anxious about what to expect. Your kid may have plenty of questions, like how it will impact their appearance and whether it will hurt. Young minds are curious so it’s natural for them to want to know as much about the experience as possible before they start treatment.
Understanding more about what it feels like to have braces beforehand can help put their mind at ease. Continue reading to learn more about what they can anticipate from their traditional orthodontics to help get them through it!
Day One: Getting Braces
Thankfully, the process of having braces bonded to your teeth isn’t a painful one. Your child might feel some pressure or mild discomfort as their orthodontist applies the brackets. First, they’ll dry your kid’s teeth and apply the glue that holds them in place. Next, they’ll carefully arrange the brackets on the center of each tooth. Finally, they’ll connect everything with the arch wire that applies the right pressure to begin treatment.
Week One: Adjusting to Braces
You can expect your child to feel some throbbing and sensitivity in the first week as the ligaments and muscles in their mouth adjust to the changes being made. There’s often a low-grade, steady soreness from the ongoing force being applied but it’s typically not too intense or overwhelming.
If they’re achy or complaining, you can help them alleviate the pain by:
- Applying an over-the-counter analgesic that you know they’re not allergic to.
- Have them rinse with warm salt water, which can reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Provide softer foods for them to enjoy like yogurt, pasta, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and pudding.
- Encourage them to drink more water and avoid overly acidic or sugary drinks like soda or juice.
Some patients develop raw spots where the metal presses against the tender tissues inside their mouth. To address it, you can try the following:
- Press a small amount of orthodontic wax over the offending braces.
- Numbing the area with an oral anesthetic.
First 6 Months: Accustomed to Braces
After the first month, most patients have successfully acclimated to their traditional orthodontics. Once 6 months have passed, they are often so accustomed to wearing them that they forget they’re there. Your child will continue to have periodic appointments with their orthodontist to adjust or reconfigure the wires to continue shifting their teeth. They’re likely to experience some soreness after these appointments because of the changes in pressure being applied to their teeth. Feel free to give them Tylenol or ibuprofen to help manage any discomfort.
Now that you and your child know more about what to expect, you’ll be ready to help them adapt to their new braces as quickly as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Kim Rogers provides multiple top-tier orthodontic services to help guide still-developing smiles into alignment. She earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M University- Baylor College of Dentistry. Today, she’s a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists which means she’s a trusted expert who can help straighten your child’s teeth regardless of their unique needs. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (972) 884-5450.
