What to expect from the first day with fixed braces

The Mystery Behind Braces And Their Arrival

As a lad, I pondered why certain peers in my class wore a metallic smile. Initially, I thought it was a form of superpower, a gadget like in my favourite comic books. It seemed something from alien technology— mysterious and intriguing, worn only by a select few. As I grew older, and inevitably wiser, I realised its true purpose: to turn a wonky set of choppers into a neat white picket fence. That's right, we are talking about braces. Indeed, my first poignant encounter with braces was not until later in life when my dear son, Soren, grappled with the rite of passage that is the first day with fixed braces.

Braces aren't just about sprucing up one's appearance, they're also vital for a healthy mouth and proper functioning of our pearly whites. They correct 'malocclusions' or bad bites, including underbites, overbites, crossbites and many more orthodontic issues. Your new braces are the superheroes of your mouth, committed to saving the day - or rather, a few years!

Prep Talk: Preparing for the Big Day

The preparation for getting braces isn’t a mammoth task. There are just a few steps to achieve before the orthodontist can start doing their magic. The first and most important, of course, is maintaining a good oral hygiene. The cleaner your teeth are before your braces are applied, the easier and less uncomfortable the process will be.

It’s not unusual to feel nervous before your appointment. I remember Soren had cold feet before the big day, fearing a mountain of pain. But let me reassure you, it's like getting a haircut— you have to sit still and endure the occasional discomfort.

Situating the Braces City

When the day of the appointment finally arrives, there's always a peculiar energy in the air. Maybe it comes from imagining your life with a metallic smile or the whole experience of sitting on the dental chair. Whatever it is, it almost becomes a rites of passage for many kids and teenagers alike. The rituals begin with the orthodontist meticulously placing the brackets and wires and securing them with a bonding material. The process is painless with only a minor discomfort which usually occurs when the wires are tightened.

Once the braces are placed, your mouth will feel slightly different. It may even seem that there's a stranger residing in there. Worry not, this sensation will dissipate over time. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither are perfect teeth.

Living a Braces Life

Now begins the part of journey akin to a test of patience and endurance. The initial days following braces application often brings an unusual feeling. Eating comprises of mouthfuls of yogurt, soup, ice creams, and any other gentle-to-bite food. You may worry about feeling pain, but there's nothing that over-the-counter pain relievers and a nice warm salt water rinse wouldn't solve.

Having braces can sometimes feel like an alien talking and playing drum on your teeth. But, on a lighter note, it's like having your personal, in-house folk band! A bit of adjustment here and there, and in no time, you'll master the art of speaking and chewing with braces on.

Taking Care of Your Metallic Comrades

Do you remember the saying "with great power comes great responsibility"? The same holds true with braces. As much as braces take care of your teeth, they need care too. Proper cleaning and avoiding certain types of food becomes more than just good habits but rather a necessity.

Brushing and flossing may feel like a chore, but it’s the best way to take care of your braces. It may be a bit difficult to navigate around the wires and brackets at first, but practice makes perfect. Also, it's worth investing in some quality orthodontic cleaning tools for better results.

The Bright Side: Enjoying the Journey

Throughout this journey, it's essential to maintain a positive attitude. Remember, the end result of this journey will bring you the smile of your dreams. So it is indeed something to look forward to, despite minor discomforts. When my daughter, Simone, needed braces, she took it like a champ, making the best of her situation by putting coloured bands on her braces to give her smile a vibrant, rainbow touch.

Moreover, you're not alone in this journey. Almost 4 million people in the USA are wearing braces at any one time. Trust me, you've entered into a strong community of people trying to live their best lives with a metallic smile.

To sum it all up, a little discomfort, a few adjustments and a couple of years is a small price to pay for a lifetime of confident, perfect smiles. Remember, it's not just about looking good, braces correct various dental issues which if left untreated, can lead to serious complications in the future. Therefore, it's better to brace up mentally and physically for this journey of dental transformation.