Son getting braces--any advice? - Dental Health Message Board

crisma · 06-17-2006, 09:33 PM

Hello everyone! My 13 year old son is getting his braces in about 2 weeks. I know nothing about braces, so can anyone give me some advice? He has overcrowding and his teeth are very crooked. He is also going to have 3 teeth pulled. My main concern is how much pain will he be in. Thanks everybody!

Cristie

Ashlee · 06-18-2006, 06:44 AM

Hi there,

I had four teeth pulled before I got my braces. I really didn't find that it hurt all that much.

As for the braces themselves, the pain is very minimal. Getting them on in the first place doesn't hurt, however the pressure from them can make it uncomfortable several hours later. Each time he gets the braces tightened it will be a bit sore. I never found that it hurt as they were tightening them, just the pressure on them later on hurt slightly. If I were you I would just make sure that there were plenty of VERY soft foods to eat for the first few days as it may hurt to bite down on foods. Things like soup or even things like mashed up banana are great (babyfood!).

JenniferE · 06-18-2006, 10:22 AM

Make sure he sticks to a good oral hygiene routine. He needs to take extra care with his teeth when he has braces. Braces, brackets, rubber bands, and anything foreign in the mouth like that is a natural plaque magnet. If he does not maintain a good oral hygiene routine, he may develop cavities, staining of the teeth, and/or gum problems.

An electric toothbrush/power toothbrush, floss threader, and a water pick are good tools to have when wearing braces. These will help him be able to remove more food and debris from his braces, thus controlling plaque and tartar build-up as well as to help stimulate the gums to help keep them healthy.

Oral hygiene is one of the biggest problems people face when they have braces. It is very important to develop and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Even more so when wearing braces.

The pain will be mild. Usually an over the counter pain medicine like Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Exedrin, or Aspirin will work. When the braces are first placed and then after each adjustment, he may not feel like eating much. Just have lots of soft foods on hand. Anything that he can eat that he will not have to work at chewing.

The dentist or othodontist will give him the information on what he can and can not eat while wearing braces. Things like chewing gum, anything sticky, ice, nuts, pretzels... They will also instruct him on how and when to clean his teeth.