When you first get braces on, you might be concerned about what to expect. Although it is not a scary process, you will experience some soreness or pressure. The mechanics are meant to align your teeth together. They do so by slowly adjusting where your teeth need to be to maximize your smile and functionality. While this isn’t painful, you should be aware of what to expect when getting them.
After an initial discussion with a dentist about a patient’s alignment options, the patient will choose what they would like. Each has a different price point, and many offer low-visibility options, making patients more comfortable with their smiles as they get adjustments. Once the patient is getting them on, it will take about one to two hours.
Typically, small rubber-band-like rings are put around some of the teeth. It is normal to experience some pressure during this time. Then, glue is applied to the brackets that will be placed on the teeth and connected with wires. Within the next few hours, the patient can expect some soreness as their teeth are beginning to adjust and adapt to the change.
Patients can expect frequent visits with their dentist to ensure that their alignments are going well and meeting their treatment plan. Adjustments may take longer or shorter at times, depending on how quickly their teeth adjust to the pressure and change. The process of tightening the braces is meant to slowly apply tension to the teeth to pull them to the correct position. Frequently, the time frames that patients can expect to wear them change in accordance with the progression of their teeth’ movement.
Usually, every few weeks, the patient needs to have the dentist tighten the elastic bands. This allows enough time for their teeth to acclimate to the difference. At their appointment, the dentist will also look at the elastic bands and quality of the metal to ensure they go according to plan.
If the patient is experiencing soreness, they can help alleviate it with an over-the-counter painkiller. They may also get soft wax from their dental provider that can aid in removing any irritation on the inside of the mouth. This gel can help protect against sores or irritation.
Patients should be cautious of the foods they eat, as things like popcorn or hard candy can be a bit too rough and can damage them. Even gum can be risky. Speak with one’s dental provider about what foods to absolutely avoid.
If the patient begins to experience soreness, they should try to aim for softer foods like yogurt, fruits, or oatmeal. Make sure to clean them often with a brush to get in between the teeth. This helps ensure that any particles of food that can harvest unwanted bacteria are removed.
With proper maintenance of your braces and an appropriate tightening schedule, you will be able to enjoy your new smile in no time. Are you ready to learn more about braces maintenance? Call our South Gate office.
Request an appointment here: http://embracedentalandortho.com or call Embrace Dental and Orthodontics at (562) 306-0060 for an appointment in our South Gate office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Types of Braces in South Gate, CA.
With all the different specialties in dentistry, it is hard to know what is handled by your general dentist and what is handled by a specialist. This makes it more difficult than it should be to figure out who to consult when you have a problem or potential issue with your oral health. To help…
As a general rule, you should visit a general dentist every four to six months for check-ups and cleaning visits. You may need more frequent visits (or additional visits) if there are specific oral health concerns to address (i.e., dental trauma, cavities, etc.). This review discusses how frequently you should visit a general dentist and…
If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, you should start making improvements to your oral hygiene right away. The faster you catch this condition, the more likely you are to overcome it. People who ignore the disease can find themselves with various oral health issues, including tooth loss. Eventually, the condition can affect…
Finding the right dentist for your oral health needs can be difficult. Many questions may come to mind, such as whether a general dentist or a family dentist is the right choice. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between general and family dentists, helping to give you a better understanding of when to…
