Steps
1-Go grocery shopping. Stock up on yogurt, ice-cream, fruit (for smoothies), Instant Breakfast, pudding, instant mashed-potatoes, and other foods that don't require chewing.
2-Know that they will hurt, to reduce the pain eat ice cream and drink water but don't swallow and puff up your cheeks it helps a lot.
3-Before you go into the room that they will put your braces on take a couple of deep breaths (it really does not hurt when they put the braces on; it only hurts that night and for a couple more days. Don't worry, though, the pain will go away as long as you don't touch your braces (then it will really hurt)--just do everything the dentist tells you and in no time you will be seeing a new smile when the braces are off and you will know that getting braces was worth it. First, they will put on the spreaders so they can clean your teeth, which may taste bad (they only do this so the glue on the brackets will stay on and keep your brackets on). Then, they will set your brackets on so they can see if they fit right or if they are too big. After that, they will get some glue, put it on the brackets, and take a bright light to harden it on your brackets. They will do this one by one, so you might want to bring a iPod or other music player to prevent boredom.
Tips
- It won't be to bad just smile, you will be happy once you have nice teeth.
- Don't touch your braces when they are first put on because they might hurt!
- Relax before you go, or you could be in more pain.
- Take some pain medication before or after you get them.
- Go to the regular dentist and have your teeth checked before you get braces so you can know you have nice teeth before you get the braces.
- Remember,some kids don't get the opportunity of getting braces because they cannot afford it.It may hurt, but remember that you are lucky because you will get a straighter, perfect smile.
- You should avoid sticky things on your first week because it may be more painful.
- Brush several times EVERY DAY and floss once a day. Using threaders, you can floss with braces. It doesn't take much time to get used to doing it.
- Ask your orthodontist questions before the procedure.
- Eat your favorite foods like tootsie rolls, saltwater taffy, apples, anything that you won't have for 1-2 years after getting braces.
- Always remember, "Keep Calm and Carry On"
- Concentrate on something other than someone sticking bits of metal on your teeth. For instance, if they have a tv, watch the tv.
- Remember, if you get scared think of how beautiful & straight your teeth will be within 2 years(relax the finishing product will be worth it).
- Remember to relax... Bring an iPod so you can listen to music, just remember to keep it down so you can hear them talking to you.
- Calm down it's not all as bad as everyone says it is.
- The more you panic, the more it will hurt.
- If your office (like mine) doesn't allow a family member to go back with you, see if you are allowed to bring a small stuffed animal to squeeze when you're scared.
- If you bring an iPod, try to buy yourself new music a few days before your orthodontist appointment. This way, you can listen to your favorite music as a treat, and you won't be sick of it. Try to buy calming music from your favorite artists, not rap and rock.
- Stay in a good mood, it will help you to relax before the procedure.
- Make sure you brush before your visit.
Warnings
Don't touch or press on your teeth or braces it makes them hurt more.
Things You'll Need
- iPod/Zune/mp3 player
- Aleve/Ibuprofen/Advil
- Chap-stick
- Soft foods
- a hand to hold :)
- Nintendo DS or whatever handheld game system you have
