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Braces 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.
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.
