Braces are an excellent tooth straightening treatment that enables individuals to have straighter, more beautiful teeth. Straight teeth are not only more appealing, but they are also easier to maintain clean, making them less prone to problems like decay and toothaches later in life. Getting braces is an exciting time, but if you're like most patients, you have some questions and concerns as your appointment with the orthodontist approaches. After reading the answers to these frequently asked questions, you'll have a much better sense of what to expect throughout your time with braces.
Do braces hurt?
This question has a simple answer: yes. But, before you worry, keep in mind that the discomfort associated with braces is usually pretty moderate, and you can deal with it just as quickly as you would a scraped knee or a mild headache. The worst discomfort is generally felt in the days after applying your braces and the tightening of the wires. This discomfort may feel like pressure and ache in your jaw. To keep it under control, apply ice or frozen vegetables to the outside of your jaw and take an over-the-counter pain treatment, such as ibuprofen.
The other joint discomfort caused by braces is intense stinging when the wires and brackets scrape your cheeks and tongue. You can alleviate this pain by keeping a tub of props wax available so you can dab a glob of wax on any irritating braces. When your mouth becomes uncomfortable, apply some oral numbing gel to the sensitive areas (the type designed for teething babies works nicely). Children should use cool water to rinse their mouths. Abrasions on the cheeks and gums are less likely with Invisalign than with traditional braces. They are most familiar with lingual braces, known to rub on the tongue, particularly in the initial few weeks of treatment.
How long must you wear braces?
When you go to your orthodontist to get your braces put on, they will usually give you an estimate of how long you will need to wear them. The longer you must wear them, the more crooked your teeth are. However, take in mind that this time frame is only an estimate. Your orthodontist may change the treatment period based on how your teeth move in your mouth because of the braces.
Traditional braces are required for most children and teenagers for roughly two years, while orthodontists can rectify some lesser misalignments in a year. The most severe instances can take up to three years. Expect to wear your braces for six months to a year if you are an adult with braces to repair teeth that have moved slightly out of position after you had braces as a teen.
How do you maintain your teeth while having braces?
Brushing your teeth takes a little longer with braces, but you must do it thoroughly. Brush around each brace individually with a toothbrush with a small head. Also, floss after each meal to remove food particles that become trapped in your teeth and braces. After brushing and flossing, use an antiseptic mouthwash to destroy any remaining bacteria. Most brace wearers develop the practice of carrying their toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss with them to brush their teeth after eating snacks and meals at work or out on the town.
Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports is another crucial strategy to safeguard your braces. Look for a dentist near me that can create a custom-made mouthguard that fits snugly over your teeth. This way, if you get hit in the face with a ball or someone's elbow, your braces won't damage your cheek tissue, and the brackets won't come free as quickly. If a bracket or wire becomes loose, make an appointment with your orthodontist right away to have it repaired. In the interim, you can protect the inside of your mouth by applying wax to the sharp points of your braces.
Braces are an excellent tooth straightening treatment that enables individuals to have straighter, more beautiful teeth. Straight teeth are not only more appealing, but they are also easier to maintain clean, making them less prone to problems like decay and toothaches later in life. Getting braces is an exciting time, but if you're like most patients, you have some questions and concerns as your appointment with the orthodontist approaches. After reading the answers to these frequently asked questions, you'll have a much better sense of what to expect throughout your time with braces.
Do braces hurt?
This question has a simple answer: yes. But, before you worry, keep in mind that the discomfort associated with braces is usually pretty moderate, and you can deal with it just as quickly as you would a scraped knee or a mild headache. The worst discomfort is generally felt in the days after applying your braces and the tightening of the wires. This discomfort may feel like pressure and ache in your jaw. To keep it under control, apply ice or frozen vegetables to the outside of your jaw and take an over-the-counter pain treatment, such as ibuprofen.
The other joint discomfort caused by braces is intense stinging when the wires and brackets scrape your cheeks and tongue. You can alleviate this pain by keeping a tub of props wax available so you can dab a glob of wax on any irritating braces. When your mouth becomes uncomfortable, apply some oral numbing gel to the sensitive areas (the type designed for teething babies works nicely). Children should use cool water to rinse their mouths. Abrasions on the cheeks and gums are less likely with Invisalign than with traditional braces. They are most familiar with lingual braces, known to rub on the tongue, particularly in the initial few weeks of treatment.
How long must you wear braces?
When you go to your orthodontist to get your braces put on, they will usually give you an estimate of how long you will need to wear them. The longer you must wear them, the more crooked your teeth are. However, take in mind that this time frame is only an estimate. Your orthodontist may change the treatment period based on how your teeth move in your mouth because of the braces.
Traditional braces are required for most children and teenagers for roughly two years, while orthodontists can rectify some lesser misalignments in a year. The most severe instances can take up to three years. Expect to wear your braces for six months to a year if you are an adult with braces to repair teeth that have moved slightly out of position after you had braces as a teen.
How do you maintain your teeth while having braces?
Brushing your teeth takes a little longer with braces, but you must do it thoroughly. Brush around each brace individually with a toothbrush with a small head. Also, floss after each meal to remove food particles that become trapped in your teeth and braces. After brushing and flossing, use an antiseptic mouthwash to destroy any remaining bacteria. Most brace wearers develop the practice of carrying their toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss with them to brush their teeth after eating snacks and meals at work or out on the town.
