Top 7 Things to Know Before Getting Braces
Everyone would love to have an impeccable set of pearly whites! But achieving your goal of perfect teeth does take some effort.
Braces are a great way to straighten out crooked teeth. They also work impeccably for an overbite. 4 million Americans wear braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. It was revealed that this number doubled between the 1980s and 2000s.
If you’re looking to get braces fitted on for a perfect bite, here are some things to know:
You could develop a lisp
Many people who wear braces find that they sound a bit different after getting braces. Dentists generally give patients a warning that when wearing braces, they can develop a lisp.
The metal brackets attached to the teeth affect the way one speaks. Dentists reassure patients that they’ll soon get used to the braces and talking with the contraptions inside their mouth.
The procedure will hurt
The application of braces won’t be very comfortable. The process takes two hours, during which the patient will feel discomfort and pressure. Dentists recommend patients to take the rest of the day off too to recover from it.
It feels uncomfortable at first
The feeling of having a piece of metal constantly attached to your teeth feels unnatural at first. Most patients adjust to the braces very fast, however.
Flossing becomes challenging
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. It removes any food from between the teeth. When you have braces fitted, flossing is impossible.
Flossing threaders and water flossers can be tried out as an alternative.
Tightening of braces can hurt
Braces need to be tightened every few weeks, depending on your progress. The tightening pushes the teeth into place for the perfect smile.
The tightening of braces can hurt. Many patients complain of headaches because of it too. The pain does fade away, though. Always let your dentist know of any discomfort you are facing. They will either readjust the braces or give you some medication for pain management.
Orthodontic wax is a must!
Orthodontic wax is applied to the brackets fixed on your teeth. This helps with the movement of your mouth to prevent any abrasions. The use of this wax is particularly important in the early months. Pay special attention to the dentist when he’s instructing you on how to use the wax.
Braces make your lips and face look a bit different
Braces are quite obvious at first. They are visible, but also protrude out, making your mouth look different. They are known to push the lips and make them look fuller. Some patients complain that their face looks swollen. In reality, it isn’t swelling; it’s just the effect of the braces.
If you are looking into getting some braces fitted to give you the most perfect smile, visit Waterfront Family Dentistry. We provide dental services in Little Elm like Invisalign and wisdom teeth removal. Contact us at for more information.
