Getting braces is a big decision for any person. The procedure can be painful, but with a little knowledge, you can prepare yourself for it and have an easier time.
The best way to prepare is by learning about the process from experts. Read on for 5 things you should know before deciding to get braces.
1. Know What to Expect
Whether you’re an adult who wants to correct your bite or a parent who’s taking advantage of insurance benefits to help their child get straighter teeth, there are a few things that you should know when getting braces. This way, you can feel prepared for your appointment and be confident in your decision to invest in braces.
Getting braces is an exciting time, especially when it means improving your 25% Off Smile Protection and confidence. It’s a great feeling to know that you can finally fix the problems that have been causing you so much pain and discomfort for years!
Process of Getting Braces
However, the process of getting braces can be a bit stressful. And that’s understandable if you’re unsure what to expect, or if you’ve never had a dental appliance before.
But it’s important to remember that the pain you might experience during your treatment will be nothing compared to what you would have experienced had you smashed your knee or had a headache. The pain you may experience is caused by your teeth shifting into a new position and the pressure from the wires.
This is normal, and it goes away within a few days. In the meantime, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods to alleviate any discomfort.
Sensitivity or Pain
If you have any sensitivity or pain, be sure to let your orthodontist know. This will help them determine the right treatment for you and keep your appointments on track.
It’s also common for patients to experience dry mouth during their braces treatment. During this time, it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. If you’re experiencing any other symptoms, be sure to let your orthodontist and dentist know.
2. Know How to Care for Your Braces
Taking care of your braces will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
It’s also a good idea to keep up with regular dental cleanings and orthodontist appointments, which will help ensure your teeth and braces stay clean and healthy. Getting a professional cleaning is essential to remove plaque, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Soft Bristles
You should always use a toothbrush with soft bristles when brushing your teeth. Using a hard-bristled brush will cause the wires of your Braces Teeth to become damaged.
Your dentist may also recommend using a water flosser that uses pulsating water to remove food particles and other debris. This is easier to use than string floss, which can sometimes snag or tear on braces and other orthodontic appliances.
Water or Mouthwash
When you’re done, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any leftover food particles. Flossing is crucial because it removes food from between your teeth and under your braces that you can’t get with your toothbrush.
Another important part of caring for your braces is avoiding sticky or crunchy foods that can cause damage to your braces. This includes popcorn, nuts, and other snacks that can get stuck in your braces.
Avoid Bruxism
In addition to this, it’s important to avoid bruxism, which occurs when you grind your teeth during the night. This can cause serious oral health problems and is often associated with jaw pain.
You should also avoid foods that are difficult to chew, such as bagels, hard rolls, and apples. This will help to keep your teeth and braces healthy throughout your treatment.
3. Know What to Expect from Your Orthodontist
The first step in getting braces is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Often, this is a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your child, but knowing what to expect from the appointment can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
The initial braces consultation is your orthodontist’s chance to assess your mouth and answer any questions you may have. It’s also a chance for them to get to know you and understand what your goals are for treatment.
Jaw Structure
During this appointment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth, take x-rays, and look at your jaw structure. This is important so that they can create a comprehensive diagnosis and develop a plan for you to achieve your orthodontic goals.
When your orthodontist determines that you are a good candidate for braces, they will create an individual treatment plan that will outline the steps necessary to straighten your teeth and correct any dental problems. It will also give an estimate of the length of time you should expect to spend in treatment.
Financial Contract & Treatment Consents
After you have signed the financial contract and treatment consents, you will be ready to begin your orthodontic journey! Your orthodontist will show you how to use the new braces and explain any special instructions for care.
At every appointment, your orthodontist will be checking the progress of your treatment and giving you instructions for adjusting your braces as needed. You’ll need to come in for adjustments once a week or every other week, depending on how quickly your teeth are moving.
During these visits, your orthodontist will tighten the braces to make sure that they’re working effectively. This can be uncomfortable at first, but it will soon fade away as your body adjusts to the pressure of the new braces.
4. Know What to Expect from Your Dentist
Having braces is an exciting opportunity to straighten your teeth and give you a healthier smile. But before you jump the gun and schedule your first appointment, be sure to know what to expect.
One of the biggest things you can do is to find a dentist who is knowledgeable about braces and can answer your questions. They’ll be able to explain the process and tell you if it’s the right treatment for you.
Read More:> Do Braces Work to Straighten Your Teeth
Your dentist will also be able to assess your oral health and determine whether you need any additional dental work before getting braces. This can include removing wisdom teeth, addressing any jaw problems and cleaning and treating cavities before they become severe.
Adjusting Elastic
You will also need to attend regular appointments with your orthodontist. These visits are essential for archwire changes, adjusting elastic (colors) and metal ties around your braces, making adjustments to your treatment plan and monitoring progress.
For the most part, these appointments are painless and take very little time out of your day. But you may experience mild discomfort in the days following your initial placement of your braces or when wires are tightened.
The pain from your new braces will only last a few days, and should be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You should also avoid eating hard, sticky or chewy foods in the first few days to help prevent any sensitivity and irritation from your new braces.
Brushing your teeth is also much more important during treatment with braces, so be sure to keep up a regular routine. Try to brush after every meal and snack for at least three minutes, using a non-whitening, fluoride toothpaste.
5. Know What to Expect from Your Orthodontist
Whether it’s your child’s first time in the orthodontist chair or you just want to get an early start on treatment, knowing what to expect can make it easier. We’ve put together some helpful tips to help you prepare for your appointment.
Your initial consultation will include an exam of your teeth, a review of any existing dental work that needs to be taken care of before you can receive braces, x-rays and a thorough discussion of the treatment options available. Next, your orthodontist will create a plan that includes what treatment will involve and how long it will take to complete.
Set of Instructional Materials
You’ll also be given a set of instructional materials, usually in the form of a brochure, that will explain what to expect during treatment. These are important because they can help you understand the process and how you should be taking care of your teeth during the time that you are in braces.
Once your orthodontist has created a treatment plan, you’ll meet with their team for a follow up visit. During this appointment, your orthodontist will remove your old bands and replace them with new ones. They’ll also check your progress and make sure that everything is working as it should.
Conclusion:
This is an important part of the treatment because it allows the orthodontist to check the progress you’re making and ensure that your treatment is going as planned. It can also be a good time to discuss any concerns or questions that you have about the procedure.
Before you leave the office, ask about your options for financing your braces. Many orthodontists offer a range of payment options to suit your needs.