So I'm finally getting braces next week and honestly, I'm kinda nervous about the whole thing. I mean, I know tons of people get them, but still... feels like I'm gonna have a mouth full of metal and everyone's gonna notice. 😅
I've heard the first few days can be pretty uncomfortable, and eating is a whole new adventure. Any tips on foods that are easy to manage at first? Or maybe some little tricks to make the adjustment period less annoying? Also, does anyone have suggestions for dealing with soreness or irritation?
I know I'll probably get used to it eventually, but right now it just feels super awkward. If you've been through this already, I'd love to hear how you handled it or if there's anything you wish you'd known beforehand.
Honestly, the first few days are kinda rough—think soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes... basically anything soft. Wax is your best friend for irritation, trust me. And ibuprofen helps a ton with soreness. You'll get used to it quicker than you think though, promise.
Definitely agree about the wax—it's a lifesaver, especially at the beginning. My daughter had braces put on last year, and she found rinsing with warm salt water helped ease irritation quite a bit. Also, don't worry too much about feeling awkward; most people barely notice after the first few days. You'll probably find yourself smiling naturally again before you even realize it... Hang in there, it gets easier pretty quickly.
Wax definitely helps, but honestly, my son found chewing sugar-free gum (when allowed) helped ease the soreness quite a bit. Dentist didn't exactly recommend it, but it worked for him... anyone else's ortho okay with gum chewing?
