The Orthodontist.in
FIRST DAY IN BRACES

The adhesive bonding your braces sets quickly at first but requires about 24 hours to fully cure. You can eat as soon as you leave our office, but please be mindful of the foods we recommend avoiding to protect your braces. Until you adjust to eating with them, sticking to softer foods may help you stay comfortable.

Will the braces cause discomfort?

It’s normal for braces to feel like they “stick out” at first. As you get used to them and your teeth begin to align, this feeling will fade away. Although the brackets are rounded and smoothed, your cheeks may still feel some irritation until the tissues adjust. If this happens, you can place a small piece of dental wax over the bracket causing the irritation. Some discomfort may start a few hours after your braces are fitted. Your front teeth, in particular, might feel tender and sensitive to pressure. While some patients feel little to no discomfort, most experience mild soreness within the first eight hours, which usually lessens over the week. The exact duration varies for each person. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers, such as those used for headaches, can help—taking them before the discomfort begins may offer the most relief.

Before you leave our office, we ask that you complete a few routine steps. These will help reduce irritation from your braces and promote the best possible treatment results. Please make it a habit to follow these steps at every visit.

  • Use your finger and tongue to check that the wire ends are not poking or irritating your cheeks or tongue.

  • Confirm you fully understand the instructions for your next appointment. This may include wearing headgear or elastics as directed, adjusting an expander, or following specific hygiene and diet guidelines.

  • Ensure you have enough dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or any other supplies needed until your next visit.

  • Schedule your next appointment before you leave. Waiting 1–2 weeks after your visit to book can make scheduling difficult, as appointments are planned 6–10 weeks in advance. Delaying appointments is a common cause of extended treatment time.