Getting braces to correct misalignment and your bite involves more than just the procedure. Like with all forms of orthodontic treatment, regular check-ins and maintenance are required to get the best possible result and achieve high effectiveness. This article gives a fair idea of what to expect during and after getting braces.
How are Braces Installed?
After an initial consultation with your orthodontist, you will be given an appointment for the procedure. During the consultation, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and mouth and discuss your treatment options.
On the day of your procedure, your orthodontist will make preparations like cleaning your teeth or visual imaging to aid the procedure. Once your teeth are prepared, the orthodontist will bond the brackets to your teeth. The brackets are small, square pieces of metal or ceramic that are attached to the fronts of your teeth. They will then thread a thin and flexible archwire through the brackets, which helps to straighten your teeth. Elastic bands are then used to hold the archwire in place on the brackets.
What to Expect After Your Getting Braces In
After your first braces installation appointment, you can expect to feel some discomfort as your teeth and mouth adjust to the braces. This is normal and usually goes away after a few days. You may also experience soreness for the first few days after getting braces. You would ideally be prescribed over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort if it becomes unbearable
You may also notice that your teeth feel tight after getting braces. This is because the wires and brackets are working to move your teeth into the desired position gently. The tightness will gradually decrease as your teeth adjust to the braces.
Asides from this, you should be aware that you will have to
avoid certain types of food while you are wearing braces. Hard, chewy, or sticky foods can damage the braces or cause them to become loose. Your orthodontist will provide you with a list of foods to avoid.
Oral hygiene is also essential to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces. You will need to brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily to remove any food particles that may get stuck in your braces.
Adjusting Your Braces
After your braces are installed, you must visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments. When braces are first fitted, they are fit perfectly to ensure that the teeth are pushed together in the right way. Over time, the braces may need to be adjusted to ensure that the teeth keep moving in the right direction. This should be scheduled every four to eight weeks to maintain the necessary pressure. The timing and frequency depend on the braces type and your orthodontic needs. During these adjustments, the orthodontist will tighten the bands on the braces if necessary and make sure that everything is still in good shape. Regular adjustments are an essential part of maintaining the effectiveness of braces, so it is crucial to keep up with them.
Looking to get braces for you or your child in Illinois? Contact us at Beauty Smile Orthodontics for a consultation.