What Do You Need To Know Before Getting Orthodontic Treatment?

Are you considering getting braces to straighten your teeth? Welcome to the club! You’re not the only one who’s considering braces. Sometimes, teeth can grow crooked and misaligned making you feel less confident about your smile. 

Luckily, modern dentistry has the appropriate dental treatments available to straighten your teeth and restore confidence in your smile.

Although, before you get started, it is important to be aware of a few things before getting orthodontic treatment. You may also consult your dentist as well to gain as much advice as possible to prepare yourself for orthodontic treatment.

What You Need To Know Before Orthodontic Treatment

Let’s get you started right here. Below outlines the key things you need to know before getting orthodontic treatment.

Clean Your Teeth Before Fitting

Before your orthodontic treatment appointment, it is important that you get your teeth in the best possible condition for the braces to be applied. This means making sure your teeth are free from food debris and dental plaque. Brush and floss your teeth in the lead up to your appointment, and the braces will be applied to a healthy set of teeth.

Run Your Tongue Over Your Teeth

There will always be a temptation to feel the braces on your teeth with your tongue. This naturally happens as a habit when you’ve brushed your teeth as well. Therefore, after cleaning your teeth, run your tongue over them.

Attend To Your Cavities First

Whilst braces can be applied even with cavities, it is recommended that you get your cavities seen first. When the braces are fitted, the first few days will require adjustment, and you don’t want the additional pain of cavities. Consult the dentist to address your cavities first before having braces fitted.

The Day After Your Braces Are Fitted

It’s natural to feel nervous about your braces once they’re fitted. It’s also ok if you don’t know what to expect. Once your braces are fitted, here’s what to expect along with certain recommendations to get the best out of your braces.

You’ll Feel Uncomfortable Initially

It’ll take time for your teeth to become accustomed to your braces. At least a week after the braces are fitted, it will feel completely natural. The braces will adjust naturally and any discomfort will slowly begin to disappear.

Food Will Become Stuck

Food will naturally get stuck around the wires of your braces. Carry a single film of dental floss to push against the piece of food so it can pop out. The longer food remains stuck, the higher chance of dental plaque forming.

Avoid Certain Foods

Be aware that certain foods can cause your braces to pop and bend. This will require further unexpected appointments to the dentist to fix them. To avoid this, avoid eating the following:

• Chewy and crunchy foods
• Thick rolls and bread
• Hard and sticky candy and chocolate
• Citrus and acidic foods

These foods can be eaten in moderation once the braces settle after a week or two. In the interim, start incorporating softer choices of food in your diet, such as boiled potatoes, soups, oatmeal, eggs, yoghurt and seafood.

Your Braces Will Need Tightening

The process of orthodontic treatment includes tightening them by removing the elastics that keep your braces in place and the wires that connect your braces. The dentist will then determine how much tightening you’ll need. This is a sign of progress. After tightening, the braces will hurt temporarily, but the pain will subside eventually.

Your Teeth Will Change Quickly

Unlock Your Smile With Fitted Braces Today

All of the pain and discomfort when wearing braces will be worth the investment, particularly when you take them off. You’ll eventually be able to show off a straight smile in the mirror. 

If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment, contact our dentist 4 U in Wollongong and Fairy Meadow and nearby areas to get an impression of your teeth and the dentist can prepare the fitted braces to establish the straight smile you’ve always wanted.