How to Prepare Before Braces: Top Tips

Your first visit to Fishbein Orthodontics is exciting! We can’t wait to welcome you in and show you what we’re all about. 

As a Same Day Orthodontist, we give our amazing patients the option to start treatment on their very first visit. Your first visit includes your complimentary exam, consultation, and braces placement or Invisalign® scans! There’s a lot on the schedule, so what can you do to prepare before braces?

Here are top tips before getting braces on your first visit to one of our eight conveniently located orthodontist offices in Northwest Florida:

 

What to do Before Getting Braces

If you choose Same Day Braces, there are a few requirements you’ll have to meet to ensure that your treatment starts off on the right foot.

  1. Receive a cleaning from your dentist within 6 months of your first visit.
  2. Ensure that you do not need any fillings or dental restorations prior to your first visit.
  3. Request your complimentary exam!

That’s all! One trip to the dentist and one click of a button is enough to prepare you.

 

What to Eat Before Getting Braces

The day before your first visit, eat your favorite meal! While wearing braces, there will be a few food items and treats that need to take a temporary hiatus from the menu in order to protect your braces. Food that is particularly hard, chewy or sticky can pop a bracket off or dislodge an archwire. (Think laffy taffy, caramel, nuts and jolly ranchers.)

Before you switch up your diet, enjoy your favorite meal and eat all the crunchy, chewy, sticky foods! (Just be sure to clean your teeth rigorously after.)

 

Come prepared!

  • Complete new patient paperwork ahead of time. You can help make your first visit as efficient as possible by completing your new patient paperwork online before arriving. This way, we’ll be able to take you back to an exam chair to get started right away!
  • Choose your preferred treatment option. Before you arrive for your complimentary exam, it’s a good idea to review your treatment options so you have an idea of which type of treatment you’re interested in. We’re proud to offer modern treatment options, like clear ceramic braces, InBrace (hidden behind-the-teeth) braces and Invisalign® clear aligners to suit your style. We’ll be here to help you make the best decision for your smile, of course! 

 

How are braces placed?

Now is for the moment you’ve been waiting for! During the most exciting orthodontic appointment stage, your braces will be placed on your teeth. This process typically takes up to an hour.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Our orthodontic assistants will give your teeth a quick clean to prevent any bacteria from being trapped between your teeth and new braces. 
  2. Your experienced orthodontist will attach your choice of metal or clear brackets to each tooth using a dental bonding solution. If you choose lingual braces, your braces will be attached to the hidden, tongue-side surfaces of your teeth.
  3. Your archwire will then be threaded through your brackets. 
  4. This wire will then be secured to each bracket using colored or clear ties. You can express your personality by choosing from a wide variety of colors! 

The biggest benefit of same day braces is saving time. Getting your braces the same day as your consultation requires only one appointment, which means less time away from school, work, or hanging with friends. 

Your entire same day braces appointment process will only take about 1 to 2 hours – then you’re off to create your beautiful new smile!

 

What to Expect After Getting Braces

During the first two weeks of wearing your new braces, some tenderness and discomfort is normal. While your mouth adjusts to your new appliances, we recommend doing warm salt water rinses, using orthodontic wax on the irritating areas of your brackets, and eating braces-friendly foods. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol, as needed. 

Your orthodontist will discuss proper care and maintenance of your new braces once they’re placed. The most important part of braces care is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Keeping your appliances and teeth clean helps prevent discomfort and cavities, or tooth decay.

  1. Gently brush your teeth, gums, and around your braces 3-4 times a day. Make sure to use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush to keep your smile happy and healthy. 
  2. Use a Waterpik flosser— this makes flossing around your new braces easy and keeps them free of plaque! The best time to floss is right before bed. 
  3. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash once a day in between brushings.
  4. Stick to a healthy diet. Healthy foods give your teeth and gums the nutrients they need to fight off cavities. 

 

Still have questions about our same day braces appointment process?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We love hearing from you and we’re more than happy to discuss what to expect on your first visit. 

Our team is here to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you or your child’s smile. We’ll help you live life confidently with a healthy, beautiful smile that you can’t help but share!

If you’re ready to begin your transformation and experience the braces placement process for yourself, request your complimentary exam with us today!