Will DC be ok to go to school straight after he's had braces fitted?

[TattiePants]

DC is getting his braces fitted (top and bottom) tomorrow morning and I hadn't given it much thought other than I would drop him off at school straight after the appointment. I'm now wondering if he should go straight into school or take the morning / day off. I had braces fitted 30 years ago so can't remember whether I was in pain afterwards. I'm also wondering if it's a good idea to have his first meal with braces on at school.

If you have a DC with braces, how were they after they were fitted and did it take them time to get used to them. What might complicate things further is DS has SEN so it might take a bit more time to get used to them.

Don't forget some dental wax. Sometimes the ends are just a bit too long and catch on the inside of the mouth. And inter dental brushes also. From supermarkets not from the dentist mind
£££££££ cheaper at shops!

Our orthodontist said to give nurofen straight away, and then take paracetamol later if needed. That suited an immediate return to school as I could dose her up on the way in and then the school nurse would give the paracetamol (they weren’t allowed to have medication on them as it was y7). I wouldn’t bank on it being pain-free for a few hours tbh

Lots of great tips thanks. I don't remember brace wax. Is this something you apply to the metal to create a barrier where it's rubbing in your mouth?

Also can anyone recommend a good liquid painkiller? DS can't swallow pain relief in tablet, capsule or soluble form but at 6ft 2 I'm not sure that Calpol is enough.

I remember taking the day off for them and being surprised because there was no pain. Woke up the next day in total agony. The pain isn't immediate but when it comes

I had mine fitted in my twenties. A week before starting a job in a very serious industry. It was grim. (Oh the lisp).

My experience of braces were that they are bloody painful the day after each adjustment. I was a grown up so had to go to work dosed up on painkillers. But I vowed that if my kids get them they will always get the day after an adjustment off if they want it.

With the fitting you get the double joy of the initial aching/pain PLUS the gazillion ulcers while your mouth toughens up. It sucks!

He might be alright to go back to school but be prepared to let him have the next day off.

He will have a lisp and he will struggle to adjust to eating (will he be back in at school for lunch cos if so don't do that to him).

Bloody awful things but totally worth it.

You can get soluble paracetamol and I think ibuprofen..and possibly asprin...in adult sized doses....
Scrambled egg?? For softness..bug fry up if that's his thing before lots of protein and carb to keep him full.... protein/breakfast shakes for after?

@Muststopeating his appointment is before 10 so in theory he would be in for lunch. I'm going to feed him up with a double breakfast in the morning then see how he feels.

@averythinline unfortunately he can't tolerate soluble tablets (or eggs)! His restricted eating is going to make the next few days a challenge.

Most teenagers seem to need the afternoon off after the first fitting or a major alteration. Schools aren't bothered by this because it's a known thing sometimes, just not every time.

If your DC is over 12, (and it sounds like they are at 6”2?!) then they can have the adults dose of paracetamol (1000mg). Calpol 6+ is 250mg per 5ml so give them 20ml for a grown up dose.
The dental wax should be given to you tomorrow after the appointment by the orthodontist.
We also found Anbesol helpful to numb extra sore areas.

DD is 14, was just 13 when she got braces. She went back to school after and she has packed lunch anyway. I think we did pasta in sauce that day as it's soft.

DD really listened to the orthodontist and knows what she can and can't eat. Though she will suck Doritos and some sweets as she loves them!

I found the orthodontist treats them like adults and explains what is happening and what will be next.

We are lucky that DD's school is really near and she takes herself off to regular appointments to have bands replaced etc.

I was going to say just send him into school after lunch and give him something soft at home, but if it's a 10am appt he might not be allowed to eat at lunchtime. I can't remember how long they say to wait to eat after they're fitted. Pain-wise, you'll just have to see (helpful!). My dsnwas fine and never needed pain relief, my dd on the other hand had paracetamol a couple of times a day for the first few days. Pancakes were always a popular tea when they had theirs fitted!

Anbesol liquid is excellent for any inside lip pain from rubbing on the braces. I believe it contains lidocaine which is a pretty potent pain killer. I prefer the liquid to the gel as it doesn't slide off. Stings a bit on ulcers but only for a few seconds then zero pain. Definitely second the braces wax, put a decent sized blob on the brace where it's rubbing. It is easier if you warm it up a bit in your hands first. I only needed it at the start.

I used to take some pain killers before each appointment, it took the edge off the ache afterwards. A chat with the pharmacist might help with adult dose liquid painkillers. Hot drinks also helped a little with the ache, maybe hot squash if tea/coffee aren't suitable.

All paracetamol suspension is 250mg per 5ml. Calpol is just flavoured so more palatable.

Except paediatric Calpol that is 120mg per 5ml…