{"id":199,"date":"2024-06-18T18:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T18:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/?p=199"},"modified":"2024-07-18T18:05:45","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T18:05:45","slug":"braces-survival-guide-first-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/18\/braces-survival-guide-first-week\/","title":{"rendered":"The Metal Braces Survival Guide: 4 Tips for Your First Week"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-300x200.png\" alt=\"Close up of woman pulling back lips to show braces\" class=\"wp-image-200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image.png 384w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The good thing about braces is that once you take them off, your smile will be straighter than ever. The not-so-great thing is you\u2019ll have to go through an uncomfortable transition. Even this aspect has a silver lining, though. Once you\u2019re used to them, they\u2019re really not that bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until then, you\u2019d probably like some advice on handling the biggest learning curve: your first week. Keep reading for four tips that\u2019ll help you survive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1. Check Before You Jet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you even leave your orthodontist\u2019s office, take a moment to make sure your braces are settled nicely in your mouth. It might feel strange, make no mistake, but if a bracket feels loose, your lip gets caught on the wire, or you feel a sharp poke in the back, your orthodontist might have to make some adjustments. If you don\u2019t notice that something\u2019s out of place until later, that\u2019s okay! You can always call your orthodontist for a quick fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2. Prepare to Be Sore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, you\u2019re likely to experience oral soreness for the first few days. Taking over-the-counter pain meds a little bit before your appointment can help soothe post-placement discomfort more quickly. After that, you can continue to use them for pain management \u2013 as directed, of course. Saltwater rinses are also a good way to mitigate aches, and they\u2019ll help your mouth heal faster to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3. Two Words: Orthodontic Wax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you always have orthodontic wax on hand, and don\u2019t be shy about using it! Your orthodontist will typically give you this life-saver in the form of small tablets or long sticks. If a wire rubs your inside-lip the wrong way or gives you a good poke, simply break off a chunk of orthodontic wax and mold it over the metal that\u2019s being pesky. The wax will create a solid barrier between your braces and sore spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4. Don\u2019t Rebel Against Food Suggestions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people think the biggest drag about braces is not being able to eat hard, crunchy foods like potato chips or just about any form of corn. It can be annoying, but there\u2019s a reason this is recommended. Biting down on a kernel can break a bracket and add to your treatment time. Corn on the<em> cob <\/em>can also cause damage and is almost impossible to get out of your braces! It\u2019s best to spare yourself the time and headache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting used to your new braces can be daunting, but don\u2019t forget that you\u2019re not alone. Your dedicated and knowledgeable orthodontist is just a phone call away! They\u2019ll be happy to answer any questions and help you feel as comfortable as possible with your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/meet-our-orthodontist.html\">Dr. Justyna Balicka<\/a> has had firsthand experience with adjusting to new orthodontics, so she can relate to the struggle! That also means she can easily empathize with her patients\u2019 concerns. Combine that with her warm and friendly nature, and you\u2019ll feel right at home when you visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/\">Huntington Orthodontics<\/a>. Of course, the treatment quality will impress, too. Dr. Justyna has passed multiple advanced exams, proving her orthodontic skill and dedication to continuing education. You\u2019ll be in capable, caring hands. To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/contact-us.html\">contact<\/a> her office, call 631-423-7857.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The good thing about braces is that once you take them off, your smile will be straighter than ever. The not-so-great thing is you\u2019ll have to go through an uncomfortable transition. Even this aspect has a silver lining, though. Once you\u2019re used to them, they\u2019re really not that bad. Until then, you\u2019d probably like some advice on handling the biggest learning curve: your first week. Keep reading for four tips that\u2019ll help you survive! <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.huntingtonortho.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/18\/braces-survival-guide-first-week\/\">(Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Braces Survival Guide: 4 Tips for Week 1 | Huntington Orthodontics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Worried about getting braces? Don\u2019t fret. 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