You may feel some butterflies in your stomach prior to your first real appointment with our Grand Rapids orthodontists. That’s totally normal! Fortunately, there’s no need to feel anxious as the procedure of having ceramic or metal braces placed is straightforward. All you need to do is sit back and relax.
Before , however, here’s what you can expect.
Step-By-Step Braces Procedure
Assuming you haven’t chosen Invisalign® clear aligners or lingual braces to straighten your smile, most bonding appointments follow the same steps. You can expect the entire application of braces to take 1-2 hours to complete so if you’d like to bring headphones along to pass the time, that’s fine!
The steps we’ll take to place your braces include:
- First, your teeth are cleaned completely, and a cheek retractor is put in your mouth to keep your teeth dry and easily visible.
- We’ll then lightly air dry your teeth once more and apply a solution designed to prepare the tooth surface for bonding.
- Once the teeth are properly prepared, we’ll apply bonding cement to the backs of the brackets and place them securely on your teeth.
- The adhesive will be hardened using a curing light so your braces stay on throughout treatment.
- We’ll finish by running the archwire through the braces and hold them in place with elastic bands which come in a variety of colors.
How Bad Will New Braces Hurt?
You shouldn’t feel any pain while we put on your braces. Some pressure, sure, but nothing during the process should cause noticeable discomfort. Generally, it isn’t until about an hour or two after your appointment that you’ll feel some tenderness.
Learn More → Should I Choose Ceramic or Metal Braces?
Not every patient is the same, however, and some may only notice this when eating. If at any point in the braces procedure you do experience a heightened level of sensitivity or pain, please do not hesitate to let our staff know. We will always do our best to minimize any discomfort and make sure you have an enjoyable time in the chair.
Tips for After Your Visit
It’s totally normal to have some . Think about it: your mouth is still adjusting to having brackets and wires involved! Fortunately, there are ways to get through the first few days of having new braces.
If you’re experiencing a mild headache or some jaw discomfort, we recommend trying an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Brands like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve will work just fine. For numbing certain tender areas in the mouth, an oral anesthetic like Orajel can help.
Our orthodontists also recommend that you go easy for those initial days following your visit and only choose foods that are easier to chew. Below are some good choices:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Soft fruits (i.e., bananas, berries, etc.)
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Steamed/soft vegetables
Once your teeth and gums aren’t so tender, you can go back to eating more normal, . Have questions during this stage? Feel free to ask our Grand Rapids orthodontics office and we’ll guide you through whatever issue you encounter.
Get Started With Braces Today
The process of getting braces can be exciting! After all, you’re one step closer to your best smile. Our orthodontists in Grand Rapids, MI, take pride in helping each patient, whether adults or children, improve their oral health and feel confident. Call Miller Orthodontics at (616) 942-9320 today to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
