Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can also interfere with our normal day-to-day activities, such as chewing and speaking. To make things worse, crooked teeth are tough to clean. As a result, bacteria can grow in hard-to-reach areas, causing tooth decay and gum disease.
If you have crowded or crooked teeth, getting dental braces will help straighten them. These popular dental tools are used to correct malocclusions or misaligned teeth. Find out how to prepare and what to expect when getting braces by reading our brief guide below.
What are Braces?
Braces are dental devices typically composed of brackets, molar bands, and archwires attached to the teeth for a long time, usually from one (1) to three (3) years, to correct common dental problems, including crooked teeth or misaligned jaws.
Traditionally, braces come in the form of metal brackets. Nowadays, patients can choose between a variety of brace types. Aside from the popular metal braces, patients can now also choose to get:
Ceramic braces - These are similar to metal braces, but instead of the traditional metallic appearance, ceramic braces come with clear or tooth-colored brackets.
Lingual braces - Lingual braces are just like your typical braces made out of brackets and wires. However, what makes lingual braces special is that they are applied behind the teeth, facing the inner of your mouth.
Invisalign - also called “invisible braces,” Invisalign are clear plastic aligners that work similarly to traditional braces. But unlike the latter, these dental tools are removable and should be worn about 22 hrs a day. They can be taken off when brushing, flossing, or even eating.
How do Braces Work?
Braces work by exerting pressure on your teeth to gradually move and realign them in order. An orthodontist shall attach brackets to each of the teeth, and each bracket will be connected together using archwires. As the wires tighten, the tension created will gradually move the teeth to the correct position.
The results of braces do not happen overnight. They are applied to the teeth and made to remain there for several months or years. After the teeth are properly repositioned, the orthodontist will remove the dental appliances.
How to prepare for getting your braces?
Getting braces is a life-changing event. There will be a huge difference between your smile pre- and post-braces. It’s only natural that you’ll want to prepare yourself the best you can before lying on that orthodontist’s chair.
Among your best ways to prepare include the following:
Clean up thoroughly
Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. You’ll want to ensure that no food particles or unwanted leftovers are stuck between your teeth as your orthodontist puts those wires and brackets on top of them. Moreover, a smooth, plaque-free surface is necessary to ensure that the brackets stick to your teeth nicely.
Stock up on soft foods
You’ll need to steer away from hard and chewy foods after getting your braces. These types of food may damage your newly-applied braces, and they’ll be harder to get rid of once they stick or get stuck between the wires and brackets. It’s therefore proper to stock up on soft foods in advance, such as soup, fruits, eggs, pancakes, and pasta. Cold, soft foods, such as yogurts and ice cream, may also help reduce soreness after the procedure.
Prepare orthodox wax
Wires pressing against your gums may cause irritation, especially during the first few weeks or months after getting your braces. Applying orthodox wax will help reduce this feeling of discomfort. Simply wash your hand, brush and floss your teeth, and then roll a small ball of orthodox wax using your fingers. Apply and press the wax into the wire or bracket that causes the discomfort. It will provide temporary relief and allow the irritated skin to heal.
How are braces placed?
Before the procedure, your orthodontist shall first examine your teeth using X-rays images and guide you with the kinds of treatments available. If he/she finds that getting dental braces is proper, you will be scheduled for braces placement.
If deemed necessary, your orthodontist may also place small separators made of rubber or metal called “spacers” between teeth to create gaps and prepare your mouth for the actual procedure. This usually happens one (1) to two (2) weeks before the braces are placed. As the spacers try to move your teeth over time, you may feel pain and soreness, but these unpleasant feelings usually last only for several days.
On your next visit, placement will begin. If you have spacers, they will be removed before applying the braces. Your orthodontist will then clean and dry your teeth to prepare them for bonding.
Once done, the brackets will then be glued to each tooth using bonding cement. The next step is to insert the wires into the brackets. Small colorful rubber bands called ligatures will be wrapped around each bracket to keep the wire in place.
The whole process may usually take one to two hours. Once done, your orthodontist will provide you with details on how to care for your braces and schedule your next appointment for future adjustments.
Will the procedure hurt?
The most common question people often ask when getting braces is whether the procedure is painful. The short answer is no. Generally, the whole process does not hurt at all. At the very least, you may feel slight pressure while the braces are placed on your teeth.
It is usually an hour or two after the actual procedure that the pain and soreness may begin. The inside of your cheeks where the brackets rub against them may feel tender, and your teeth may hurt when eating. These troubles may last for several days but will eventually subside as your teeth get used to your new braces.
Welcome A Brighter Smile With Us!
From flossing difficulties to low self-esteem, tons of problems are linked to crooked or protruding teeth. Cunning Dental Group provides patients with the most advanced braces to straighten teeth and move the jaw into proper alignment. Our team has been engaged in helping patients achieve their ideal smiles for over 52 years now.
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