Do you have misaligned teeth and did your dentist recommend dental braces? Are you apprehensive about getting them? You need not be. You only need to get answers to the questions that are running in your head – ‘How long will they take to put on the dental braces?’ ‘Will they hurt?’ ‘Will I be able to eat properly?’ Getting answers to these questions will help calm your anxiety. This blog will address all these questions and enlighten you about dental braces.
There are specific signs to look for that suggests you need dental braces. If you have overcrowded teeth or crooked teeth, then getting braces may be your option. Consulting a dentist is a prerequisite, as they are the best people to recommend the right treatment. If there is an overlap of the front teeth with the lower teeth, then this condition is called as overbite or overjet. In such a situation, you may need braces.
The procedure to get dental braces is straightforward. The dentist takes X-rays and analyzes your condition. Depending on the evaluation, the dentist may recommend teeth extraction in order to align your teeth. Then they proceed to provide you with braces. Regular follow ups are an important part of the process.
Your mouth may feel tender for the first few days after getting braces. Tenderness may also be felt whenever your braces are tightened. You can experience some pain during the procedure, but that subsides in a few days.
As mentioned above, pain is common during the procedure. But, proper care can help you deal with it. Avoid solid and crunchy foods. Your orthodontist will suggest you about the food items that you should eat and avoid. You can also use orthodontic wax to avoid mouth sores in the first few weeks of your treatment. Apply it gently by squashing the wax between your fingers and pressing it on brackets and sharp ends of the wire. Generally, mouth sores heal quickly and won’t be a problem as you gradually get used to your braces. In case the pain is severe, consult your dentist for help.
Follow a strict dental care routine if you are getting dental braces. Making sure your mouth is clean at all times is generally important. But, the need to maintain good oral hygiene elevates when you have dental braces. Regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing will decrease the chance of dental problems. Also, rinse your mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash at least once every day, to ensure your mouth is free of bacteria.
So, here’s all you need to know about braces. Once you get your braces, you have to visit your dentist regularly. They can help you keep a check on your dental braces and evaluate the progress of the treatment.