What To Expect Before Getting Braces

The idea of wearing braces can cause anxiety in many people. Wires and brackets can cause discomfort. The possible bending and dislodging of these components can be painful and inconvenient. Understanding the process of this treatment can help you relax and prepare well for it. Here are the things to expect before you start wearing braces.

The referral

Seeing the dentist for regular checkups can detect if the patient has bite issues and teeth misalignment problems. This will result in a referral to a dentist who can handle these types of dental problems. The patient can set an appointment by calling the referred dentist. Bringing the latest dental scans or dental X-rays on braces consult day is ideal.

The consultation

This first visit will involve a physical oral exam. The dentist will determine the issue and see if the patient does need to wear braces. Ordering scans and dental X-rays will allow the dentist to see the health condition of the teeth and the jawbone. The dentist can then see which type of braces can help the patient the most.

The treatment plan

Every person has a different set of dental needs. The dentist will create a custom-fit treatment plan that will satisfy the patient’s needs. The dentist will list down the target areas as well. This will give the patient enough knowledge about the process from beginning to end. The plan will even contain lifestyle and diet recommendations.

The placement of the braces

The first visit will be longer than the coming visits. The patient will have a professional dental cleaning first. It will give a chance to condition the surfaces of the teeth right after. These processes take about 10-30 minutes. They will make the brackets attach better to the dental surfaces. The dentist will follow the predetermined design for the patient.

The wire insertion

Inserting the archwire will come next. The wire looks like a semi-circle. The dentist will fit the wire into the patient’s mouth first. Then, cutting the archwire to its right size will come next. The dentist will then attach the archwires with elastic bands.

The care reminders

Explaining how the patient will care for the brackets and the entire mouth will come next. The dentist will recommend a specific type of toothpaste and toothbrush as well. Using small interdental toothbrushes can help remove food particles and plaque between brackets and teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash can help wash them all away.

The adjustments

The patient must also know about the significance of the adjustment schedules. Visiting the dentist is necessary to straighten the archwire. The dentist will replace the elastics so that the archwire will stay in place. In some cases, the dentist may even replace the archwires. This can happen if the old archwire breaks. These wires must pull or push the brackets to shift the teeth to their correct positions.