As your child prepares to get braces, it’s natural for them to have some hesitation and nervousness. However, knowing what to expect can help alleviate your child’s discomfort during their initial visit to the dentist and make the ensuing weeks much easier to manage. Here’s a general guide of what your child should expect after they get braces.

What Your Child Should Expect After Getting Braces

The Day Of

Although the process of getting braces is completely painless, your child will most likely feel some slight discomfort or soreness once the wire is attached and engaged to the braces. Their teeth, particularly the front ones, may begin to hurt a few hours afterward.

While your child is allowed to eat after their braces are in place, they may want to start with soft foods such as yogurt, pasta, soups, or pudding, as it may take some time to get used to eating with their new braces. Their teeth will also be more sensitive, which will make softer foods much more appealing.

The First Week

Your child will likely feel some discomfort for the first few days and up to a week after the braces have been applied. 

As their mouth adjusts to the new braces, they may experience a small sore or two on their gums, inner cheeks, or lips during the first few days. Your child can rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help diminish this discomfort and keep their mouth clean.

Your child’s orthodontist will give them a wax to apply to their brackets. This will create smoother edges and surfaces in their mouth to lessen irritation. Make sure your child uses this as needed. They can also use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain grows intense.

The First Few Weeks

Most of the pain and discomfort will be gone after the first week or so, as your child’s mouth will have gotten much more used to these sensations. They may still occasionally experience some discomfort, particularly after a wire adjustment or visit to the dentist.

As their pain lessens, they will be able to transition from softer foods to more normal foods. However, it is very important for your child not to eat foods that could be harmful to their new braces, such as popcorn, ice, nuts, and candy. Their orthodontist or dentist will provide a list of foods that they should avoid.

As the following weeks go by, make sure your child follows all the advice their orthodontist or dentist gives regarding how to take care of their braces and teeth. This will ensure that their braces will work quickly and give them a better smile as soon as possible.

Does your child need braces? Or are you looking for a skilled pediatric dentist in the greater Avon, OH, area? The professionals at Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates have the experience and care to make each dentist visit an enjoyable experience. To schedule an appointment, call (440) 934-0149 or visit their website today.