1st day in braces

[Kaylee]

I finally got my top & bottom braces put on this morning along with chains in each quadrant to close the 4 extraction gaps (after a long 10-hour night shift at the hospital...so by the time I got there, I was way too exhausted to even think about what they were doing in my mouth. I had almost fallen asleep if it wasn't for that bitter taste -- I didn't even bother asking what that was for).

I took an ibuprofen prior to the appointment, and some just now. I tried brushing my teeth earlier, but had to stop due to major soreness (I'm sure my ibuprofen from the morning had worn off by then). I know soreness/pain is normal the first few days or even up to the first few weeks -- but I really hate the idea of not brushing my teeth. Were you guys able to brush/floss/Water-pik the first day? I'm going to start doing salt-water rinses tonight :)

[chainreaction]

Hello.... I could not brush the first few days ....but loved the waterpik ...at the low setting....it really made my mouth feel good ...I put a little mouthwash in the water to help also ....good luck..

[Snowglobe32]

I brushed the first day but didn't floss until maybe day 5 or 6. I figured it was okay since I wasn't eating much at the time. If anything, I would brush through the pain...it will get better.

[AM21]

I was able to brush the first few days but it was a bit painful. Flossing was pretty much out of the question until maybe the 4th or 5th day. I didn't have a waterpik then but I can imagine it would feel good on sore gums. As Snowglobe said, Just brush through the pain, the pain is only temporary. Good luck!