WHY IS ONE ARCH TREATED BEFORE THE OTHER?

"Upper Braces Before Lower Braces": Your Full Guide

+ Part 1: Why?

+ Part 2: Discomfort and sensitivity

+ Part 3: Eating

In part 1, we explained it’s normal – and common – for orthodontists to start by placing braces on one arch only.

Benefits of fitting upper braces first

This staged approach allows your orthodontist to work on more complex issues with the upper or lower arch before placing the other brace.

As we said, in many cases, the second arch will be fitted a few weeks later although this varies by patient.

For part 2, we will focus on the differences in discomfort between the first arch and the second arch fittings.

ADJUSTING TO UPPER AND LOWER BRACES: WHAT TO EXPECT

Discomfort after upper brace fitting

Immediately after the upper brace is placed, patients may experience discomfort when biting down as well as some general soreness.

This is normal because the braces are exerting pressure on your teeth for the first time.

However, some new patients report a distinct lack of pressure in the first instance.

The new pressure sometimes feels so subtle it’s hardly noticeable – although it often becomes more perceptible as the teeth very slowly begin to move towards their final position.

Lower brace fitting: Discomfort and sensitivity

After the second brace is fitted, it’s naturally common to feel a renewal of the initial sensitivity and discomfort.

In terms of pressure and discomfort, the adjustment period varies from patient to patient.

For some, the added pressure of having braces on both arches can cause more initial discomfort compared with the first fitting.

Read more about Fixed & Lingual Braces at Wytes London.