Suppose you started or will start your orthodontic treatment soon. Congratulations! The road to straight teeth, a healthy bite, and a great smile are just ahead of you.
Here are the top 10 questions our orthodontists in Texas get from patients who are just starting their smile journey.
1. Does Getting Braces Hurt?
The first and most common question we get is: Does getting braces put on hurt?
And the answer is no! Braces don’t hurt, but because they pressure your teeth, you may feel tightness or sensitivity when you first get your braces put on and in the following adjustments.
The discomfort is generally mild and should last for less than a week after getting your braces on. During the following adjustments, sensitivity usually doesn’t last more than two or three days.
Talk to your dentist if your braces hurt instead of just making you feel pressure or discomfort.
2. How Long Do Braces Take To Work?
As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment affect the period of wearing braces.
Most orthodontic treatment takes one and a half years to operate. Nevertheless, depending on the patient and the dental condition, it might take up to two years or more.
When you schedule your consultation with our practice, we will give you an estimated treatment time before you decide to start.
3. How To Clean Braces?
One of the most crucial things you can do while wearing braces is to keep your teeth clean. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. In extreme cases, having cavities while wearing braces could require removing your braces so you can receive dental care.
We recommend brushing your teeth about three times a day while wearing braces and flossing at least once daily. A fluoride rinse is also recommended to help prevent cavities.
4. How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces?
It would help to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the top, bottom, and sides of your braces.
It is usually difficult to brush the spots between the braces and the gum line braces. So, focus on these areas, and you’ll be a pro in no time!
5. What Can I Eat During My Orthodontic Treatment?
We recommend avoiding anything chewy, hard, and sticky to avoid breaking a bracket.
Additionally, ensure that you cut or break your foods into bite-size pieces and chew using your back teeth. Never bite or tear into foods with your front teeth with braces.
Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities.
6. Do I Still Need To Go To My General Dentist During My Orthodontic Treatment?
Yes! In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success.
Your dentist will check for issues like tooth decay and gum disease. If they do detect a problem, treating it earlier can reduce the odds that you’ll need to have your braces removed to deal with it.
During professional cleanings, the hygienist will use special tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t eliminate at home by brushing and flossing.
7. How Often Will I Visit The Orthodontist?
Our orthodontic treatment plans are customized to meet each patient’s orthodontic needs. We typically see most patients every 6-8 weeks depending on how everything is progressing.
To complete your treatment on time, it is also important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result in undesirable movements that need to be corrected.
Orthodontists will continue to see you after your treatment is over and your braces are removed. Your orthodontist will likely recommend a permanent or removable retainer to help maintain your treatment results and ensure your teeth don’t move back.
8. How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Orthodontic Treatment?
The ideal age to receive braces is between 9 and 13 because their permanent teeth start fully coming in. But you can receive braces at any age, depending on the circumstances of your case.
9. Which is better, braces or Invisalign?
Braces and Invisalign both work great and get the job done! Traditionally, braces are used to close gaps, correct impacted canines, and treat more complex/ severe cases.
On the other hand, Invisalign is great for complex cases and aesthetic purposes. Ask your orthodontist about your treatment options before making the best choice for yourself!
Both forms of orthodontic treatment have pros and cons. In the end, it comes down to what fits your lifestyle best!
10. How Long Does It Take To Put On Braces?
The time requires to get your braces on takes a minimum of one to two hours. In one appointment or two, the process for putting them on could happen depending on your teeth and the kind of braces you wear.
Are you not happy with your smile? Schedule a consultation today.
Whether you are an adult unhappy with your smile or want to ensure your child develops straight, healthy teeth as they grow, we would love to meet with you.