You have decided to move forward with receiving braces, congratulations!
Maybe you have even scheduled your appointment,
and as the date gets closer, more and more questions arise.
We are here to help!
In this video we will cover the most
important things to know before starting your braces journey.
These 8 tips will make you an expert patient and walk into your first appointment with confidence.
The first thing you should know
is that you should have a cleaning done before your braces appointment.
Your orthodontist might even require you to have dental cleaning before your appointment
based on your oral hygiene and even if they do not require it, it is still recommended.
Your teeth must be very clean to ensure that your braces are properly attached to your teeth.
When you schedule your braces appointment,
let your orthodontist know when your last cleaning was.
Our second tip is to bring lip balm or chapstick.
When you are having your braces put on,
your orthodontist is going to need your teeth to be dry. Cotton swabs or pressured
air may be used to dry out the surface of your teeth causing your lips to dry out.
Additionally, you will have cheek retractors in, which could add to the discomfort.
Chapstick can save your dry lips and make the process more comfortable.
Some orthodontists may provide chapstick for you, but it's better to bring some just in case.
Our third tip is another useful tool to have, Orthodontic Wax.
After your braces are put on, it may take some time to get used to them.
The brackets and wires will rub on the inside of your mouth
and until you get used to them, they may feel uncomfortable.
During this time, you can place wax in any particular areas that
are rubbing against your mouth in order to relieve any discomfort.
Wax will come in handy throughout your treatment so stocking up is a good idea.
Tip number 4, be prepared to adjust your diet.
Braces are going to limit what you can eat moving forward, so
it is a good idea to be aware of what to avoid beforehand.
Sticky and hard candies are a common way to break brackets.
If you have a favorite chewy candy, enjoy it before your appointment.
Sticking to soft foods and cutting up your food before chewing it
is the best way to protect your braces while eating.
To learn more about food you can and cannot eat check out the videos in the description below.
Tip number 5, you may experience soreness but not pain.
Everyone has a different pain tolerance level
but most people would consider braces to not be painful.
However, it is common to experience soreness after your appointment is over
because the pressure from the wire will start to move your teeth.
If you are concerned about soreness you can take an over the counter pain reliever before
your appointment. Minors should receive parents permission before taking any pain relievers.
It is also a good idea to eat before your appointment so you do not need
to worry about eating right after, which will give the soreness time to subside.
Tip number 6, be prepared to talk a little differently.
This might be less noticeable than you think but it is common for
people to talk differently after they have their braces put on.
Braces could make it harder to talk, but there are some cases where it is actually easier to talk.
Any speech changes are only temporary
and once you are used to wearing braces you will no longer notice the changes.
Tip number 7, oral hygiene can become more difficult.
Not only can braces make it harder to brush and floss,
but it also makes it more important to keep up with your oral hygiene.
If you do not clean your teeth consistently,
when your braces come off you could leave stains behind.
There are tools you can use such as a proxabrush that can
help you clean the areas in between your brackets.
To learn more about how to properly clean your braces check out our
“Braces Survival Guide” video linked in the description below.
Tip number 8, be prepared for more appointments.
It is important to remember that your treatment has just begun
and you will still have many appointments before treatment is over.
Your next appointment will be an adjustment appointment which
will allow your doctor to evaluate your progress and make any changes necessary.
These are the most common types of appointments and are typically scheduled every seven weeks.
If you would like to learn what to expect at your adjustment appointment, check out this video:
For other types of appointments check out this playlist:
If you have additional braces tips you would like to share,
please leave them in the comment section below.
For more information, or to schedule a FREE consultation, please visit our website
at orthodonticexperts.com or call us at 855-720-2470.