Are you someone who wants straighter teeth? Well, there are nearly 4 million Americans who wear braces, so you’re not alone.
Many people have gaps, crooked teeth, and improper bites. In fact, abnormal bites usually become noticeable by the age of six, which results in the need for braces.
On that note, if you’re curious to learn more about the process of getting braces, continue reading the information below.
The Initial Consultation
The first step in the process of getting braces is the consultation meeting. The orthodontist will look at your teeth to determine what’s needed to straighten them.
Also, they’ll decide if a different orthodontic treatment would be better for you. People with severe dental issues often require an alternative straightening method.
During the consultation, the orthodontist will look at your teeth, take X-rays, and make a mold of your mouth. The mold helps to create custom and personalized braces.
Treatment Plan
After your consultation, the next step is to put together the treatment plan.
For instance, if you have gaps, then your treatment plan will be made precisely for gaps. Your braces have to be tailor-made for your teeth in order for them to work.
Therefore, the orthodontist will create a set of braces based on your mold.
Putting on the Braces
This is the longest step in the process of getting braces. During your appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the braces. This step generally takes 10 to 30 minutes.
Next, they’ll find a spot to cement the brackets and add the first wire.
Once your teeth are cleaned and conditioned, they are primed for the cement. Lastly, the brackets are firmly pressed into position.
Wiring
Once the brackets are put into position, the wire goes through the brackets. This step is done by using a semicircle of wire and cutting it to the exact length of your teeth and mouth. During this process, the dentist bends the wire so that your teeth move into the correct position.
Finally, the wire is placed through the brackets and the gap of the brackets are closed to hold the wire in place.
Oral Care Documentation
Once your braces are on, the dentist will have a talk with you about how to take care of them. They’ll provide documents to help you understand the proper oral care for braces.
The information usually includes details on how to brush your teeth and what kind of toothpaste to use.
It’ll also explain how to treat soreness. Chances are, you’ll experience braces pain after you get them on.
Making an Appointment for the Next Adjustment
After the initial process of getting braces, you won’t have to go back to the dentist for another three to four weeks. When it’s time for an adjustment, the orthodontist will take out the old wire and put in a new one.
They’ll use the positioning of the old wire to guide them on placing the new wiring. Plus, the replacement wire is always stronger than the previous one. That’s because it has to continually pull your teeth in the proper position.
Each time you get an adjustment, the orthodontist will use a different wire. Doing so ensures that your teeth move in the right direction.
Furthermore, you should take the time to speak with your dentist during your appointments. Mention any problems that you’re experiencing with pain from your braces.
The discomfort you feel should subside a few days after your initial appointment. However, you must notify your orthodontist must if the pain persists.
Also, if you’re having difficulties cleaning your teeth, mention it to your dentist. They’ll most likely recommend a small spindle brush. It removes food and bacteria from between the wire where a regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Properly cleaning your teeth is essential to keeping them healthy. Leftover food that accumulate can lead to oral issues like plaque and gingivitis.
Dietary Limitations
One of the primary downsides of having braces is dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, you’ll have to eliminate some of your favorite foods like candy and crunchy snacks.
Even if you choose to eat healthy, hard produce like apples and corn on the cob aren’t allowed. That’s not to say that you can’t have those foods at all, but you have to find different ways to eat them.
For example, cut your apples into small pieces and eat kernel corn instead of corn on the cob. The reason for this is to maintain your braces. If you eat hard foods, it could break the wire or pop one of your brackets off.
If that happens, you’ll have to go back to the dentist to get the issue corrected. These types of setbacks slow down the straightening process and prolong your treatment time.
Speaking of treatment length, you may be wondering how long it takes to see results from braces. Well, everyone is different and it depends on the condition of your teeth.
Some patients start to see results in as little as six months. However, others might have to wait at least 24 months to achieve their desired results.
Understanding the Process of Getting Braces
The process of getting braces is pretty straightforward. Once they’re in, the only appointments required are for routine adjustments.
With that said, if you’re ready to improve the look of your smile, Jacobus Orthodontics can help. We put on braces for children and adults. But if you don’t like the look of metal braces, our office also offers Invisalign.
To get more information about our services, call us at 772-340-0023 or contact us online.