If you are considering having braces placed to straighten your smile, you may be wondering what to expect. Having braces put on only takes an hour or two, and you may need to come in for one or two appointments for the process to be completed. Read on to find out more about how braces are put on, and what you should know about the process…
If you choose to have traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces placed, your orthodontist may need to place spacers between your back teeth before your braces can be applied. This helps to ensure that there is enough space for bands to fit around your teeth.
When your orthodontist is ready to apply your braces, they will begin by cleaning your teeth thoroughly. The brackets will then be attached to the teeth with special glue. Metal bands are then placed around the back molars and archwires will then be attached to the brackets with small rubber bands.
While the process of having braces placed does not cause considerable pain, you may experience some discomfort an hour or two after your appointment. You may feel some tenderness and discomfort when you eat or experience general jaw pain for a few days. Your orthodontist may recommend some over-the-counter medications to help ease any pain that you feel.
When you first get your braces fitted, it is a good idea to eat only soft foods for a few days. This will minimise any discomfort that you feel when chewing and prevent irritation in your mouth. Some good options include yoghurt; soft-cooked vegetables like mashed potato; scrambled eggs; fruit smoothies; and fish.
Within a month or so, you should feel comfortable and your mouth will have adjusted to the feeling of your new braces. If you have any concerns or issues, you should raise them with your orthodontist when you go in for a check-up or adjustment.
Once you have adjusted to the feeling of your new braces, you should not feel any considerable pain throughout treatment. It is important to note that oral hygiene is extremely important when you have braces. To prevent issues like discolouration, stains and tooth decay, you will need to thoroughly clean your teeth every day. This means brushing your teeth multiple times a day and flossing regularly.
For the duration of your orthodontic treatment, you should avoid certain foods as these can damage your braces and contribute to issues like tooth decay. Foods that can cause problems while you have braces include whole nuts, popcorn, and hard and sticky candy. Try and eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
At Hyde Park Dental Care, we offer traditional metal braces, as well as ceramic braces. We use a self-litigating method to hold the wire in place for all of our bracket systems, which allows us to straighten your teeth faster. The method also increases the lifespan and durability of your wires.
If you would like to find out more about the different types of braces that we offer, please have a look here. The type that you choose will depend on your particular needs, as well as your lifestyle and aesthetic goals. If you are considering orthodontic treatment but are not sure what is best for you, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Your orthodontist will answer any questions that you have and will guide you through the treatment that works best for you.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 03 9466 8484 or get in touch with us here. We look forward to helping you achieve a straight and healthy smile.
(03) 9466 8484
Level 1, Suite 5, 93-97 Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083
(03) 9466 8484
58 Mernda Village Drive, Mernda, VIC 3754
(03) 9307 9370
92 Inglewood Drive, Burnside Heights, VIC 3023