Tips for teen getting braces next week

[Buntytree]

My teenager is getting wired braces fitted next week. Has anyone got any tips to help them with managing them. Should they take pain relief before getting them fitted? They have to go back to school straight afterwards. Will they struggle to eat anything for first 24 hours?

Is there anything that I can buy to help them like special floss?

Many thanks

Having them fitted isn't painful, as far as I remember, but it won't take long for it to start hurting as the teeth begin to move. Definitely a good idea to keep painkillers handy. Eating will be an adjustment, so stick to softer things for the next few days. I'd assume that the orthodontist will give you some wax for the wires and brackets, because they will rub in a few places, but you should be able to get some in Boots as well.

The best thing you can get for cleaning is a WaterPik. The amount of stuff that came out of my braces with that was both fascinating and disgusting!

My daughter had hers fitted a few weeks ago, and was ok. I don't think the process of fitting was painful but her mouth was tender for a while afterwards - she took paracetamol. The orthodontist gave us a list of foods to avoid - some obvious stuff like crusty bread, popcorn, and also sugary drinks because they will cause stains.

We have an electric toothbrush and there's a special head you can buy to get round the braces. She also uses mouthwash.

Get more wax. The dentist might give you a packet, but it can be best if they use it for the 24 hours after each tightening as well as the first 49 hours after the fitting.

Getting them fitted wasn't sore but my dds mouth ached after. A lot of people suffer from constipation in the weeks following fitting because they are not chewing their food properly for fear they will damage the braces. A neighbours son ended up in hospital because of it. Make sure they eat soft food and fruit to keep everything moving

Thanks everyone, that’s really helpful!