Braces are great to fix the alignment of the upper and lower jaws as well as the spacing of the teeth. Perhaps you have little crooked teeth or an overbite problem that needs some help. Whatever could be the reason, your ultimate goal is to wear a confident smile, and this is why getting braces is something to be excited about. Self-esteem and confidence are the first things you might look forward to, but getting braces has numerous benefits. It can alleviate speech impairment, the ability to chew food, reduced cavities, and a lot more. There are some things you have to know about braces before jumping into getting an appointment with an orthodontist.
In this writing, let’s take time to talk about some factors you have to consider or probably the concerns you might have about dental braces.
Do Braces Hurt?
Generally, the answer to this question is “yes”, but it’s more of discomfort that is usually quite mild. It can be managed easily, just like a mild headache or having a scraped knee. The discomfort usually happens after the braces are applied or after the wires are tightened. Nowadays, orthodontic procedures have improved and are more advanced. As per the dental specialists from www.dunn-orthodontics.com, today’s orthodontic treatment is much more comfortable and affordable than it used to be. The period of clunky bands, tight stainless steel wires, and painful headgear are long gone. Gentle continuous forces are being used, which means no wire tightening is required, and you’ll spend less time in braces.
Foods to Avoid
It is quite a challenge to eat after the application of braces due to mild discomfort. It is recommended to stick to soft foods for a few days until such time you have adjusted. Slowly, the discomfort subsides, and you’ll get used to the feeling of chewing with braces. There are only a few foods you have to avoid, such as crunchy chips and nuts, sticky foods, gummy candies, caramel, and foods you have to bite. You can consume food like apples and crunchy chips as long as you cut it into little pieces. Food can get stuck into your braces that’s why it’s recommended to always have a braces care kit in your bag.
Be Patient
People who embrace the process always look forward to the outcome regardless of how long they have to wear braces. The treatment can take eight months to three years, depending on what needs to be fixed. This time frame would still depend on how your mouth reacts to the braces. The more misaligned your teeth, the longer you need to wear them. During the consultation, your orthodontist will give you an estimate of how long you need to wear braces. Several people get so accustomed to having braces that they get amazed when it’s time to take them off.
Cleaning Is a Must
Caring for your teeth and braces include avoiding crunchy goods that might cause the wires to snap. You also need to avoid sugary foods that might cause plaque and bacteria to build around the braces that would eventually lead to tooth decay and cavities. We can not highlight the importance of regular brushing of your teeth. Brushing when you have braces typically takes a bit longer, and it is essential to do it thoroughly. Using a toothbrush with a small head is recommended and spending some time brushing individually around each brace. Also, make sure to floss each meal and finish it with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill the lingering germs.
Worth It as an Investment
It’s not just your perfect smile that you are investing in, but also to create a healthy bite so you can chew efficiently and have good overall oral health. Once you have aligned teeth and jaws, that means better overall functions, including biting, chewing, and even speaking. The discomfort that you endure during the period of treatment is worth it once you see the result the moment you get your braces off.
Bear in mind that this treatment will not just end after the application. You still need to follow the regular visit to your orthodontist, and it’s vital not to miss it. You will be informed of the improvement and adjustments if necessary. Stick to the process and trust the expert.
Follow the instructions given for smoother treatment. Having a perfect and confident smile has no comparison. The results are not immediate, but it’s guaranteed to be worth it. We hope all this information has helped you decide on getting braces.
