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First Days in Braces

The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth cures rapidly initially, but takes 24-hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods that may be harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

Will the braces cause discomfort? Initially the braces feel like they “stick out”. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have “toughened”, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of dental wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be “tender” and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report they experience no discomfort, but most have some soreness during the first eight hours, dissipating within the week. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs for each patient. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Before leaving the office, there are routine steps which we ask you complete prior to leaving. These steps will minimize discomfort related to irritation from the braces and ensure an optimal response to treatment. Please make these steps a part of each office visit:
  • Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.
  • Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing headgear or elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.
  • Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Waiting 1-2 weeks after an appointment before scheduling your next office visit complicates the scheduling process, since appointments are programmed 4-6 weeks in advance. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.

Patient Testimonials

  • “I’ve waited almost 50 years to get my teeth straightened and this place is the BEST!! Appletree Orthodontics is a warm and friendly place with awesome staff! They really know how to make you feel comfortable and make the process enjoyable! Five stars is not enough…THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving me my smile back!”
    ─ John
  • “I'd contemplated braces my entire adult life. The last photo I had of me smiling was when I was 17 years old. I had so many fears and reservations. Thanks to Apple Tree, and their incredible staff, I can finally smile again! My only regret was waiting so long. Smiling again at age 44.”
    ─ T.P.
  • “This is our third child just out of braces! We are extreamly pleased with Appletree Orthodontics! Everyone there is welcoming and fantastic at what they do!”
    ─ Kristy S.
  • “Absolutely love and adore the entire staff! They discuss and talk with the patient about both needs and wants. They talked to me about everything! They made sure I was comfortable and happy. When I was supposed to be done I felt as if somethings weren't complete yet. When I came into my next appointment they listened and agreed. They truly are the best people to work with!”
    ─ Adrienne
  • “I love apple tree! My braces are finally off and I am beyond happy with the results! Thank you.”
    ─ GG
  • ““I had a very extensive treatment process and the entire staff was very helpful, kind and friendly every step of the way! My experience with them couldn’t have been better! I love the way my teeth came out!”
    ─ Aamelie
  • “Apple Tree is really a great place. It's an all around happy environment, and everyone is friendly. I've never waited for longer than 5 minutes for any appointment! Perfect for anyone of any age, and really helped motivate me to get my teeth straight!”
    ─ Maddie
  • “My experience at apple tree has been incredible! All of the staff is hospitable along with accommodating to every one of my wants and needs! Highly recommend to any body looking to put their kid through braces or Invisalign.”
    ─ Alex
  • “Apple Tree Orthodontic is an all around great place. The people there are fantastic. They’re always smiling always asking how your day is. I never had any bad experiences there due to the fact that they are awesome. 10/10 recommended coming here for your teeth!”
    ─ Gavin

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