This is it! This is the day you’ve been waiting for. You are now a step away from having straighter teeth. While at first, it may seem like a scary process, but there’s no need to be scared. It shouldn’t be a daunting experience either especially if you know what to expect.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the process, and what to expect on the day you’ll have your braces installed.
During the Appointment
Your appointment starts with your orthodontist cleaning your teeth. When done, they will apply a dental glue at the front of the teeth. The brackets are placed once the glue is properly seated to your teeth. When the glue to your brackets is dry, they will then pass the archwire through the brackets. After that, your orthodontist will attach rubber bands to keep it in place. This process will last for two hours or more, depending on the severity of your case. During this time, you can also choose to have clear dental braces if you want. Compared to metal braces, Cost clear braces are higher. Learn Cost clear braces
Before Leaving the Office
These useful tips can help you avoid frequent, unplanned visits to your dental office. This also ensures that your braces are properly installed before you leave the office.
- Using your fingers, check to see if the archwires are poking any areas of your mouth.
- Ask when is your next appointment. It is important to visit your orthodontist on the appointed date and time so make sure to free the schedule of your next appointment.
- Ask your orthodontists about what to do between each appointment. Do you need to wear headgear? Are elastic bands needed? Will your teeth need adjustments?
- If you have questions about your braces, oral hygiene, diet, or anything related, be sure to ask them before you leave.
- Before you leave, make sure to refill the needed supplies for your treatment such as cleaning aids, dental wax, elastics, or any other things you might need.
When You Get Home
Getting the braces installed in your teeth is not that painful, but expect that you’ll get a sore mouth when you get home and when the anesthesia wears off. This soreness will be gone in a few days, but the good news is we have tips on how to help relieve the soreness.
- Apply oral anesthetic gel to your mouth to relieve the soreness.
- You can apply dental wax to the brackets responsible for causing pain. Your orthodontist will give you special wax before you leave the office.
How Long Will It Take to Get Used to My Braces?
During the first few days, your mouth is still not used to having a dental appliance in your mouth. For most patients, it will take a few months for them to get used to these dental appliances. In six months, you’ll barely notice that you have one. Take note that it is not unusual for the teeth to start to hurt for no apparent reason. If that’s the case, treat it with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Read more How much do dental braces cost?
