The idea of getting braces sounds like a terrifying concept. It can become a scary and sour experience if you don’t consult a reputed orthodontist. There are several reasons why people use dental braces. The most obvious one is to straighten the crooked teeth. Let’s agree that crooked teeth can be quite frustrating.
It can diminish self-esteem and even cause dental health problems like bite issues, jaw pain, and more. If you are someone who has been planning to get braces, then it requires a bit of preparation and understanding. Here are the top 10 things to know before getting the braces:
1. Braces Have No Age-Limit: The common narrative regarding braces is that you should get them during childhood or adolescence. The reason is that the mouth is still developing. But there’s no age or time window to follow while getting braces. People often avoid opting for braces out of fear, an expensive process, or it could be just not liking the idea of having them. If you are an adult who regrets not having braces to fix crooked teeth, then having them now is equally beneficial.
2. Flossing Will Not Be Easy: If you are planning to get metal braces, then flossing will not be easy. There are high stakes for food particles to get trapped in metal braces, clear aligners, and teeth. If not flossed correctly, it could lead to plaque and tartar build-up thereby damaging the tooth.
Flossing after every meal or snack will prevent bacterial growth and infections. Make sure to clean the metal bands and teeth frequently using a dental floss threader suggested by your orthodontist.
3. Hydrating Your Lips: When you are wearing braces, a lip balm is your best friend. Because braces are made of metal bands and wires, they can temporarily make your lips chapped or dry. Right from your first appointment, we highly recommend you carry it with you. It will keep your lips hydrated and comfortable. There are certain misconceptions that braces make lips bigger. The changes are noticeable because of temporary and early swelling.
4. Dietary Adjustments are Necessary: After getting braces, the first few months can be challenging. You have to make dietary adjustments, as certain foods can cause damage to the braces. We suggest you avoid eating hard, sticky, chewy, hot, or cold food. For instance, eliminate gummies, chewing gums, popcorn, and caramel. Instead, opt for soft alternatives like steamed vegetables, warm soup, yogurt, and more. You can also chop the harder food into bite-sized, small pieces, which will reduce the chance of damaging braces.
5. Help to Fix Your Bite: Braces align the crooked teeth. Additionally, your orthodontist will check if your bite is aligned together or not. When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should meet together friction-free in one spot or without any wearing and tearing. There should not be huge gaps or spaces when your teeth meet. Having a healthy bite will save your teeth from getting damaged and falling apart. Your orthodontist will assess the situation and thereby suggest braces for bite correction.
6. Irritation Inside the Mouth is Normal: Experiencing irritation inside your mouth and lips is very normal. Over the course, the soft tissues inside the mouth will get accustomed to the braces. To combat the irritation and mouth sores from braces, we suggest you make warm salt water by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swirl it around in your mouth and spit. Repeat as long as needed. If you still feel mouth sores, then consult your orthodontist immediately.
7. Most Consultations are Free: One of many reasons why people avoid getting braces is because it’s an expensive process. However, many of orthodontists will give the dental consultation for free. They will be assessing the situation and provide you with a solution accordingly. If braces are not required, they will suggest alternatives as per your comfort.
8. Time Duration: When you consult an orthodontist to get your braces on, they will give you a timeline for how long you will need to wear the braces. The more misaligned teeth there are, the longer it takes to keep them on. One important thing to keep in mind is that this time frame is not fixed. Once you start wearing braces, with regular checkups, the orthodontist will observe how your teeth are moving. Depending on that, they will arrange the treatment period.
9. Trust Your Orthodontist: Usually, people often confuse the regular dentist with the orthodontist. The former can provide the treatment for oral hygiene. The latter is a trained dentist specializing in dental movement and jawbone. This makes them a perfect fit for assessing the situation regarding braces. It’s always advisable to be honest with your orthodontist and ask any questions that are lingering in your mind. Once you have built a rapport, take the insights and advice seriously for orthodontic treatment.
10. Braces Do More than Straighten Your Teeth: Braces are not only teeth straightening options. During a consultation, the orthodontist will examine other problems like overbite, underbite, jawbone, bleeding gums, and more. Putting on braces accordingly can help you recover from these dental problems as well.
Remember, the journey towards getting braces is a bumpy ride. It will demand a lot of patience, as well as finding a trustworthy orthodontist who makes the experience easier. Once the braces are removed, you will certainly feel a boost in your confidence and smile more with the pearly whites.