Step1
Okay, you came back from the ortho and you got them on. This procedure takes a while, as they will take a mold of your teeth way before they put them on. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth if you have a gag reflex while the mold with oozing paste is in your mouth. Putting them on is simple. They put a lip separater in to get at your teeth, then with a gun that has blue light, they glue them on.
Step2
Getting braces put on for the first time is going to feel really weird, and especially for your gums. They will get scratched up and feel like something is poking them. Get a mirror and get a good look. What you're looking for are loose wires. If there are any that are sticking out, they will snatch on to your gums and you will have problems eating and the like. Check this out immediately and tell your ortho, and they will tighten it in or cut it out for you. Do not forget to check for this as this will cause problems for you later.
Step3
Your ortho will tell you everything you need to know, so you will know that you will be coming back once a month to get your braces tightened. I'm sorry, but this part has some pain. The wires in your braces will be tightened and they will be very sore. Your teeth will be extremely sensitive to...everything possible. Do not even tap your teeth together. Take Advil or other pain relievers to help ease your discomfort. Ask your ortho about anything else that could help.
Step4
After braces and especially a tightening appointment, eating is going to suck. No burgers, no sandwiches, no ribs, corn on the cob, nachos will be annoying, and such. When your teeth hurt you want to eat foods that do not require a whole lot of chewing, if any at all. They will be sore and want to be left alone. But you've got to eat! Soup, soft bread, oatmeal, applesauce are braces-friendly. You can take any other food such as your favorite burger or sandwich, but eating it is going to be a trip. Cut it up. If possible, eat the meat and protein first in small eatable bits. Do not eat anything touching your front teeth. Chew in the very back of your mouth. What you have to do is what you have to do. You can't not eat, right? And yes, this gets very annoying.
Step5
Braces are a breath of fresh air when you're brushing your teeth. You will have to do this more often. Food will get stuck in those lovely wires and you have to get it out. I recommend a Water Pik. It squirts water in your mouth and cleans out food bits for you. Use it on top of your braces and on the ends of your teeth. Get at your gums at the back, too. Wash out everywhere. The last thing you want are bit of food to mold and stay there and for you to taste them later.
Step6
You can use toothpicks to very gently get at stray food bits sticking out of your braces. Clean in and out and be sure not to poke at your gums too much.
Step7
You brush your teeth like you always do. When your teeth aren't sore, brush on the wire and in and around them to get at everything. Especially give your gums some attention. Get some mouthwash, as this will get out those hard to reach places.
Step8
Your braces don't have to make you feel you're an Ugly. When your ortho puts on your rubber bands, ask for your favorite color. Or do seasonal, like orange and black for Halloween and red and green for Christmas, or bright green for the spring. And don't be afraid to smile! Most people have had braces in their lifetime and it is okay. Plus, wait until you get them off and how much better they will look.
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