4 things to know before getting braces

You just need to stick with braces for 18-24 months and when it’s over, all the “misplaced” teeth of yours will get in line, giving you a bright, confident smile. Before getting this procedure, you should do your research on the steps involved as well as find a reputable dental clinic to place your trust.

1. Mental preparation before the treatment

Visit your dentist for an oral examination: This is the very first step to get dental braces. After taking some X-rays and examining your dental condition, your dentist will let you know if you have any oral conditions (such as periodontitis, cavities, gum recession, etc.) or not. Then, he or she will talk to you about the types and procedures of dental braces and help you pick out the most suitable for you. Your dentist will also give you an estimation of the time you will be required to wear braces.

Read more: How long does it take for dental braces to straighten your teeth?

What to do while wearing braces

• Be careful with what you eat: Keep in mind that while you are wearing your braces, you won’t be able to freely eat what you love. The first to go is any hard food, then comes sticky treats like gummy bears, cookies, coconut candies, etc. Moreover, you will also have to cut your food into small pieces to make sure they won’t get stuck on your teeth or brackets.

• More thorough dental hygiene: If a normal person needs 3 minutes to brush their teeth, you will need thrice at that time. You will have to use dental floss and a small brush to clean every single gap and then rinse with a mouthwash or salt solution.

2. Choose a reputable dental clinic

To get the most out of dental braces, you need a dentist with vast experience and expertise. During the course of your treatment, you will need a visit every 4-6 weeks. During each visit, your dentist will check on your teeth, see how they are moving, and make appropriate adjustments. 

In addition, when getting braces at a reputable clinic, you can rest assured that you are treated with high-quality dental tools and equipment which play a huge role in the results you will receive from braces.

3. Think about what to ask your dentist

After you have settled with a dental clinic, you should prepare some questions for your dentist:

1. What type of braces is best for me? (Common types include metal braces, ceramic braces, and invisalign). Find out about the many types of braces in this link.
2. How long will I have to wear braces?
3. How can I take care of my teeth with the braces getting in the way?
4. How often do I need to visit the clinic for checkups?
5. How much will the whole treatment cost me?
6. What happens after I take off my braces?

4. What to keep in mind during treatment

• Accept the pain: Dental braces are basically pulling your teeth towards the ideal positions with brackets and wires. Thus, when you first start your treatment, some pain and discomfort are to be expected. Fortunately, these symptoms will go away after a while. If the pain is too much to bear, your dentist may give you some pain medication. If the pain persists after 5-7 days, you should seek help from your dentist.
• Language problems: Some people experience voice and pronunciation problems while wearing braces. However, these should improve after a few days as you get used to the presence of the braces inside your mouth.
• What to avoid while wearing braces: It’s best to stay away from any activities that directly affect your teeth such as biting down on your nails, chewing hard foods, opening bottles with your teeth, to name a few. If you wear removable braces, take them out before playing sports. If your braces are fixed, you need to wear jaw protective gear. 
• Take care of your teeth during treatment: If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you are likely to develop cavities and gum inflammation after taking your braces off. Therefore, you should follow your dentist’s instructions on how to clean your teeth properly.