Braces Tips & FAQ
HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT BRACES
Wearing braces is easier today than ever, but there are some helpful guidelines to make your time in treatment smooth and easy. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about taking care of your braces and what to expect while you’re in treatment. Please feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions.
Do Braces Hurt?
It is normal to have a little soreness for a few days after the braces are placed, especially if this is your teeth’s first time ever having any force applied to them. The gentle forces created by brackets and wires is just the beginning of tooth movement and straightening. The soreness could possibly make it uncomfortable to eat or talk. If it bothers you, rinsing with warm salt-water may be helpful or even taking a small dose of Tylenol (or whatever you take for pain).
Some people think the brackets and wires feel rough against their cheeks, lips, and tongue. If it gets painful at all, you may place orthodontic wax on the braces adjacent to the tender areas to shield your mouth from the metal. You will receive this wax when you get your braces and if you ever need more, just ask!
It can be a bit alarming to discover that your teeth may feel slightly loose throughout your treatment. That’s because they are, but this is nothing to worry about! It just means the braces are working and the normal process of tooth movement is happening. First, the teeth will loosen in their bone sockets, then move to their proper position, then the bone will solidify around the teeth again and they will no longer feel loose.
Cleaning Your Braces
Of course the time to be diligent about oral hygiene has to be when it’s the hardest, right? Brack ets and wires create areas throughout your mouth that food and plaque can get trapped in and are difficult to get out. If left on the teeth for long periods of time, the teeth can begin to decalcify, not only making you more prone to cavities, but also more likely to have white spots on the teeth, often outlining where the brackets were after they are removed.
Flossing every day and proper brushing twice daily will help keep the cavities and white spots away so your teeth will look their best once the braces are removed.
Pointers for Proper Brushing
- We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head.
- Electric and sonic tooth brushes are also acceptable.
- Point the bristles downward to clean the tops of the brackets then upward to clean the bottoms. (Don’t forget the insides and biting surfaces of the teeth as well as the tongue)
- If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
- Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- We recommend that you have a check up with your dentist every 6 months.
The FAQs
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program of at least two years following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
What are some possible benefits of orthodontic treatment?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Better function of the teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduces the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.