Braces are used to straighten teeth and you can achieve a beautifully aligned smile as a result. But many people are unsure of the process or don’t understand it well which can lead to confusion about how the ideal smile can be achieved with them.
There will be an initial consultation for the dental braces
And you will have this with an orthodontist. You can search for dental braces near meto get an idea of the dental clinics in your vicinity that offers the services you are looking for. In the initial consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your bite, teeth and jaw alignment to see whether braces are the right option for you. They will also discuss treatment goals with you and address any concerns you have about the procedure. They will also explain the different types of braces that you can use. Then comes the planning of treatment once you have decided that braces are the right fit. The treatment plan will be tailored to your gaols and needs. This will include the type of braces recommended for you and the estimated duration of treatment. And if any additional procedures are required such as jaw surgery and tooth extractions, these will be detailed as well.
The placement of the braces will come next.
Your teeth will be cleaned and dried so that brackets can be attached to the front surfaces of your teeth. A special dental adhesive will be used here. When the brackets are in position, a wire will be threaded through the brackets and it will be secured with elastic bands. You will experience some soreness and discomfort when your teeth starts adjusting to the braces. There is a certain pressure that is exerted on your teeth by the braces. This discomfort is quite normal and you will notice that it lessens within a few days. You can also take over the counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort or pain during this period of adjustment. Routine adjustments will be needed for your braces over the course of your treatment. You will need to go for regular appointments so that the orthodontist can tighten the wires or replace them. They will adjust the tension of the elastic bands so that your teeth can continue moving into the desired positions. You need to attend these appointments so that the adjustments can be made to ensure optimal results.
You have to maintain good oral hygiene when you have braces.
It is very easy for plaque and food particles to get trapped around the wires and brackets. This will increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It is best to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal you have and floss once a day so that your teeth and braces are clean. You can also use water flossers or interdental brushes. There are certain dietary considerations in wearing braces as well. You have to avoid eating sticky, hard or crunchy foodas these can break brackets or bend wires. Some of the foods you will need to avoid are popcorn, nuts, chewy snacks and hard candies. You can select soft food to eat such as soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes and smoothies.