Comfort

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or similar discomfort.

The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. The wax will stay on better if you dry the area first with a hairdryer. Open the wax container, take out a small piece of wax, and apply it directly to the irritating part of the appliance. Press gently and smooth it out with your finger. You should continue brushing your teeth and brackets even when you have wax in your mouth. Remember, wax is harmless and can be applied as often as necessary. Do not worry if you swallow it.

Loosening of Teeth is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new  corrected  positions.