The Ins and Outs of Dental Braces
Many people get braces. Most get them during their teenage years, but some adults need them too. Whenever you get them, you’ll need to look after them if they are to look after you.
Why Should You Get Braces?
Not everyone has naturally straight teeth, and sometimes people get injured and have teeth knocked out or moved out of place. Braces are one of the best options to straighten your teeth and ensure they are more evenly spaced out. This has health benefits, as well as being more aesthetically pleasing.
Some people are born with crooked, overlapping and crowded teeth, or have a “bad bite”. These conditions usually occur when there’s a difference in the size of the top and bottom jaws, or when there is not enough space in the mouth for the number of teeth present. Whatever your case, Four Seasons Dental will either know when and if you will need braces or refer you to an orthodontist (a specialist in braces).
Getting Braces
If you need braces, you will need to make an appointment with the orthodontist. Make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh before the appointment. Your orthodontist’s office will likely have a bathroom with toothpaste, just remember to bring your own toothbrush to brush your teeth before the procedure. Once you’re settled in the dentist chair, the orthodontist will start by giving your mouth and teeth an expert clean. This is to ensure that the dental adhesive firmly fastens the braces brackets to your teeth. The cleaning also removes any plaque that could get stuck underneath the braces and possibly cause a cavity.
Once your mouth is clean, a dental glue is put onto your teeth and a dental bracket is stuck firmly in place on each tooth. This may cause some discomfort as the orthodontist presses them against your teeth. After all your brackets are in place, two wires are threaded through the top and bottom brackets. These wires are what will pull your teeth in the desired direction. They are cut off cleanly at either end so as to not poke the inside of your mouth. Bands are then inserted, to keep the wire attached to the brackets. The orthodontist will clean your mouth out and you will also be able to rinse out your mouth yourself.
Personalize Your Braces
During the procedure, you will be asked what color brackets and bands you want the orthodontist to use. You will get to change the color of your braces when you return to have them tightened. You can make them your favorite colors, or choose the colors according to the time of year or a holiday, such as orange and black for Halloween. A clear option is also available if you don’t want attention drawn to them.
After Getting Braces
Your teeth will feel sensitive for a while after the procedure and you may also still taste the dental glue. The glue is not particularly tasty, but it is absolutely harmless. The taste and the sensitivity should pass by the end of the day.
Make sure to stock up on supplies, such as some light pain medication, dental wax and soft foods. Dental wax is put on your braces if they cause discomfort or if the dental wire pokes your cheek. Using light painkillers and dental wax are short term solutions to make your mouth more comfortable until you are able to get another appointment to fix the issue.
If you or your child needs braces, contact Four Seasons Dental to make an appointment today.
