Protect Your Smile, Especially with Braces, with Your Dentist in Falls Church VA
After getting your new braces, you may experience mild soreness and discomfort. This is due to the orthodontic wire being engaged into the newly placed brackets. When your teeth start to move to their new positions, mild pain may occur which normally last for a few days. Our Falls Church dentists stress the importance of following the proper steps provided by your orthodontist and encourage asking any questions or concerns you have so they may be properly addressed for any future inquiries.
What to Do Before Leaving Your Orthodontist's Office
There are a few important steps to do before leaving your orthodontics’ office. Doing these steps will minimize soreness and discomfort. These steps will also ensure an optimal response to the treatment and will prepare you for your next appointment.
• Check the Wire Ends: Using your tongue and finger, make sure to check if the wire ends of the braces do not reach areas which might rub or poke your tongue or cheeks.
• Know the Next Steps: Know what things you are to do until your next orthodontic visit. Your orthodontist might advise you to wear headgear or elastics, adjust the expander, or follow a certain diet like eating soft food. Orthodontists will specifically give you hygiene instructions like brushing twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing once a day.
• Get the Proper Dental Supplies: Some orthodontists provide their patients with dental kits. Some will also give you a list of things you will need to get on the first day. Make sure you have enough supply of special cleaning aids, dental wax, elastic bands, or other dental supplies that you may need in caring for your braces.
• Schedule Your Next Appointment: Before leaving, make sure you’ve already scheduled your next appointment before. Scheduling an appointment after a week or two from your first visit will complicate your orthodontist’s schedule as their appointments are usually programmed 4-6 weeks in advance. One of the main factors in longer dental treatment is when appointments are postponed.
Most of the patients experience mild discomfort only in the first few days to a week after getting braces. Each patient will slowly adapt to the discomfort caused by the movement of teeth. Knowing what to do and having the right supplies will certainly do wonders.
If you have any questions, or want to know more detailed, efficient ways to take care of your braces, don't hesitate to contact our dentist in Falls Church at Peyser Dentistry by calling (703) 893-3333 today.
