First Time Getting Braces

First Time Getting Braces
Posted on 05/22/2017

First Time Getting Braces

Dothan, AL Orthodontic Care

Smiling with braces

You just completed your first consultation with Dr. Tee McClimans and he recommended that orthodontic treatment is necessary to improve your oral health. Whether you need to wear traditional metal braces or Invisalign, these appliances can help shift teeth into the correct position to avoid problems that can inhibit you from eating or speaking properly. It is normal to feel a little anxious hearing that you will need to wear braces - they can look intimidating and there’s always a fear that they might hurt. At McClimans Orthodontics, we want to put your mind at ease by providing you with helpful information about your braces treatment and what to expect.


How Long Does It Take To Put On Braces?

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. McClimans will begin by cleaning and drying the surface of your teeth. He will then put a metal bracket on each individual tooth that will be held in place by a special glue. If you happen to eat some of the glue, don’t worry! Although they may not taste great, it is completely safe to have in your mouth. Once the brackets are secured, an archwire will be placed to help guide the teeth to their proper position. You have the option to customize your braces by selecting a wide variety of colors for your elastic bands that will be used to hold the archwire in place over the bracket. Our braces application process typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the severity or complexity of the case.


Do Braces Hurt?

In order to achieve a straighter smile, light and gradual pressure will be applied to your teeth for this shift to occur. You may experience some discomfort due to this process; however, this pain should not last for more than a week. To help you ease into your orthodontic treatment, here are some helpful tips to follow:

  • Eat soft food during the first few days of the treatment such as macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and applesauce
  • Take over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen and aspirin)
  • Use the orthodontic wax over your brackets to avoid it rubbing against the inside of your mouth
  • Avoid drinking any acidic beverages such as orange juice

If you are still experiencing pain that lasts more than a week, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. McClimans to have him evaluate your braces. It is important to also schedule regular appointments with our Dothan orthodontist so that he can make proper adjustments to the appliance in order to effectively move teeth.


Schedule An Appointment With Your Dothan, AL Orthodontist

If you are feeling anxious or scared about wearing braces, our dedicated team at McClimans Orthodontics are here to answer any questions you may have to put your mind at ease. Our friendly family orthodontist has achieved great results with his orthodontic treatments to help give you the smile that you deserve. Please feel free to contact us or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment!