As you prepare to get braces and start wearing them, you may be a little nervous. It can take some time to get used to this treatment. You will encounter some challenges, but the result can help you achieve your goals. During the process, you need to be diligent about caring for your braces. This will help you get the most out of the treatment and be happy with your new smile. Your diligence will also help to ensure that you get them off as soon as possible.
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastics. The orthodontist will attach the brackets to the teeth with dental cement and run the wire through them. The elastics hold the wires in place. Together, these components put constant but gentle pressure on the teeth. This forces the teeth to move into the proper positions in the mouth. The treatment length is usually 18 to 24 months, though this will depend on the severity of the patient’s alignment issues.
The orthodontist will first take X-rays and make impressions of the teeth. From here, the orthodontist will make a treatment plan. The appointment to get the braces takes about 90 minutes. The patient returns to the office every few weeks for follow-up visits. Here, the orthodontist will adjust the braces and review the progress of the treatment.
Some foods and braces do not mix well. The patient should avoid biting into hard foods such as hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels. The person should also be cautious about eating chewy and sticky foods such as bagels, gum, and taffy. These items can damage the brackets and wires. There may even be instances where the brackets come off the teeth. The patient should also minimize the amount of sugar they eat.
Braces do an effective job of straightening teeth. But this treatment can make it more difficult to brush and floss well. As a result, some patients get frustrated and neglect these vital habits. Diligently flossing by using a floss hook to get in between the wires will keep the braces and teeth clean. When brushing, the patient should make sure to hit every part of every tooth.
Inevitably, food will get trapped in the brackets and wires. If the patient does not remove these particles, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The braces can also start to deteriorate. Rinsing throughout the day can help. This is especially important after meals and before bedtime.
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You want your braces to straighten your teeth. But it is also important to make sure they are clean and in good condition. As you do this, you can have peace of mind that the treatment will go well and not drag on. Follow these tips so you can get the most out of this orthodontic care.
Request an appointment or call Price Family Orthodontics at 972-528-5519 for an appointment in our Frisco office.
Braces are one of the oldest devices used to straighten teeth in dentistry. They work by applying constant force on teeth, slowly improving their alignment over time. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and elastic used to connect both dental arcs.Metal braces are the oldest form of braces, and they have been around for a couple…
Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment to align teeth and correct dental misalignments. They have proven to be effective in achieving a straighter and healthier smile. However, with advancements in orthodontic technology, various types of braces are now available to suit different needs and preferences.When considering braces, it is important to consult with an orthodontist…
Braces have been around for centuries and remain one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth. Metal braces have been the most popular type of braces over the past several decades, but there are newer, less conspicuous types like ceramic braces these days.Straightening your teeth improves your overall appearance since the state of your…