Sometimes you see a person for the first time and while they introduce themselves they flash you a beautiful, picture-perfect smile. You respond with the same energy, and then a thought sneaks up. “They must have beautiful genetics if they were born with such a beautiful smile”. But, what if that person wore braces?
What if you could wear braces and have this beautiful smile you’ve always wanted and admired in other people? Even if their beautiful smile is their genetics, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Tooth bonding, veneers, teeth whitening, teeth straightening and braces are all common ways of cosmetic dentistry. Before you take the next steps for getting braces, you need to know the following things.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Let’s get one thing straight early on – orthodontics treatment takes time. For the best results, be ready for the treatment to last from two to even three years and sometimes longer. Different factors determine the length of the treatment, there can be setbacks or other issues. However, all of these things are minuscule in comparison to the joy you’ll feel at the end of the treatment. So, consider this as a marathon, but one that you’ll finish as a winner.
You’ll have to go to regular checkups, often
We’ve already said that orthodontic treatment is like a marathon. It also requires you to visit your orthodontist often during the treatment. Usually, checkups happen from four to every either week, depending on your and your orthodontist’s schedule. During these checkups, your doctor will monitor your treatment progress and decide what to do next. You’ll also have your rubber bands removed and changed, so you’ll get fresh ones, in the colour of your choosing.
You’ll have to fix any dental issues first
If you’ve been postponing visiting your dentist for a routine checkup, you’ll have to do it before the orthodontist treatment. Whether you just need to get your teeth cleaned or fix any cavity that emerged between your current and your last visit, it has to be done before the beginning of your orthodontist treatment.
Sometimes it might hurt, sometimes it won’t
We can’t say that wearing braces is painful, but we also cannot say that it isn’t. At times, you’ll feel mild pain either during or after the orthodontist’s monthly appointment. Especially if the orthodontist will tighten your braces for the next step of the treatment. If you’re still thinking about getting dental braces, it’s imperative to find a specialist who’ll make you feel comfortable and explain the entire process truthfully.
It’s more uncomfortable than it is painful
Wearing dental braces can be summed up as an uncomfortable feeling. But, you’ll get used to it. After a few monthly checkups, you’ll know how you react to it, what’s your pain threshold and to what extent you’ll need to adapt your lifestyle to go through each stage of your treatment. Sometimes you’ll be okay to chew and eat solid food a day after braces tightening appointment, while at other times you’ll have to eat smoothies and meals that don’t require you to chew as much.
You’ll start noticing people with braces
Once you become a member of this club, you’ll start noticing people wearing braces all around you. You might even strike up a conversation with that colleague you’ve never even n noticed has braces. You’ll share your experience and bond over this unifying factor. Maybe you’ll even hear a tip or two from someone’s experience. Without any doubt, it will be a fun ride and a new topic to talk about with people.
You’ll have to brush your teeth after each meal
Get ready to have a small toothbrush and toothpaste on you at all times. Food can easily get stuck behind the wire or between the wire and your teeth. Sometimes people will tell you, and sometimes they won’t. It’s imperative to always brush your teeth after each meal, to avoid any embarrassment and to reduce food buildup over an extended period. Simply, have a portable toothbrush kit with you and brush your teeth after each meal.
Think about using metal straws
Rubber bands that tighten the wire around the brackets will change colour over time. Especially if you get clear rubbers, they will become yellow as you drink coffee or smoke. So, if you want to colour them as little as possible, drink everything through a metal straw. It might be weird to drink coffee with a straw over time, but you’ll get used to it.
Biting can loosen the brackets
Eating the way you always eat won’t be advisable during your orthodontic treatment. Any added pressure on your teeth can lead to a ripped bracket. If it gets ripped from your tooth, the orthodontists will have to glue it back and reposition it. The solution is to cut everything into pieces before eating it. Get a knife and a fork and take your time to cut each bite before eating it. You’ll also have to avoid food like popcorn, nuts and even gummy candy.
All of these nine tips fade in comparison to what you’ll achieve by the end of your orthodontist treatment. However, knowing them will prepare you for what comes next.
