Have you or one of your teenagers been advised to wear orthodontic braces? While people usually associate braces with teenagers, the reality is that they can be prescribed to people of all ages as a way to straighten teeth.
In addition to wearing braces, you will also be required to wear a dental retainer as part of the treatment. This post takes a closer look at a few essential pointers you should know as you prepare for your orthodontic braces.
Getting the Low Down on Orthodontic Braces
If you’re preparing to have orthodontic braces fitted, then you’ll want to know what to expect as well as how the procedure will work. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Understanding How Orthodontic Braces Work
Essentially, orthodontic braces are a type of dental treatment that’s used primarily to correct misaligned teeth or jaws. The goal of adding braces is to improve overall dental function as well as the general aesthetic of your mouth.
Braces, as they’re typically referred to, are made up of brackets and wires. These can be placed on the back or front of the teeth. Small wires are designed to apply gentle pressure, which guides the teeth into the correct positions.
Straightening the teeth in this process is slow and steady, and ensures the following:
- Stable, more consistent results
- Less risk of damage to gums and teeth
- Correct and permanent root alignment within the gum bone
2. Know how Your Braces Will be Put on
The thought of getting braces may sound like a complex procedure, but the good news is that it’s simpler than you think. In fact, many braces are successfully attached in as little as two hours. Here’s what to expect in this simple, straightforward procedure.
- Step 1 – Cleaning and drying: The first step involves your dental specialist giving your teeth a comprehensive clean. They will also make sure that the teeth are dry, as this will make it easier for the wire brackets to stick correctly.
- Step 2 – Dental adhesive: Once the teeth are sufficiently dry, a special dental glue is applied to each tooth. This glue is what bonds the tooth enamel to the wire brackets. While this glue may taste a little funny, it’s harmless.
- Step 3 – Placing the brackets: Brackets are delicately positioned in the middle of each tooth. It’s essential to be precise here as this placement sets the foundation for the manner in which the teeth will eventually move.
- Step 4 – Allowing the glue to set: The glue is then cured using a dental curing light. This device hardens the glue quickly, which locks the wire brackets in place.
- Step 5 – Thread the arch wire: After the glue has set on the teeth, the specialist will thread the arch wire through them. This wire forms the main “pulling” force behind the way your teeth move.
- Step 6 – Secure the wire: A series of rubber bands, also called ligatures, is used to secure the wires in place.
- Step 7 – Consider add-ons: Your dental specialist may opt to add expanders or spacers a few sessions after the initial installation. This is to give your teeth time to adjust.
3. Understanding the Pain Factor
The idea of having wires attached to your teeth, and then having those wires “pull” at your teeth sounds as though there will be some pain to deal with. Fortunately, having the braces installed is relatively painless.
There may be some general discomfort as your mouth and teeth begin to adjust to the new pressure caused by the gentle pulling process. This often leaves your mouth feeling tight, but shouldn’t worry you. It simply means the braces are working the way they should.
In addition to this, there may be a few other symptoms you experience. These include the following:
- Irritation on the sides of your cheeks
- General soreness around the bottom of your teeth
- Small mouth ulcers caused by the wires and brackets
If you experience any of these symptoms, your specialist may recommend any of the following tips to ease any discomfort you may experience:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days as this lessens the pressure on your teeth. Common suggestions include smoothies, mashed veggies, or soups.
- There may be sharp spots in some places on your braces, especially in the early days. Administer a specialised orthodontic wax on these sharp points to reduce cuts in your mouth.
- Opt for over-the-counter pain medications to help manage the pain. A common suggestion here is ibuprofen. If you don’t want to take any pain tablets, speak to your specialist for gum gel.
Final Thoughts
Having orthodontic braces installed is an effective way to straighten your teeth. After wearing braces for about 12 to 24 months, your specialist will recommend a retainer. By this time, your teeth will be significantly straighter. This will not only improve your smile, but will also give you a big reason to smile!