Considering braces? The metal kind mainly because the metal braces are your best option for straightening your teeth. Its true straight teeth will build up self-esteem and add to any makeover, but getting from start to finish can be very painful.
Orthodontists first schedule a consultation. Watch out for free consultations! They are free until you let them do a casting of your teeth. This imprint costs money, but it shows how crooked the teeth are and where straightening needs to be done. Remember you still aren’t under any obligation to go with the orthodontist you have consulted with and did a casting from. You can consult with other orthodontists and ask for your teeth imprints to be sent over for reviewing with each orthodontist you talk to instead of making multiple teeth imprints and being charged over again.
If you decide to go through with getting braces you will have to have a dental checkup at your dentists. This is to make sure there’s no cavities or abscesses. The dentist will also pull any teeth the orthodontist wants pulled going by what is marked on a piece of paper you will take with you.
Once you have your braces on you can expect to be wearing them a year to three years and another year of retainer wearing after braces have been removed.
Every trip to the orthodontist the braces will be tightened a little more. This gradual tightening is what moves the teeth toward the final result of straight teeth. Each time teeth are tightened they become loose making it hard to eat crunchy chewy foods. Ice cream is often a favorite to eat. It helps to ease some pain. Expect food to readily lodge between braces. Brushing and flossing after snacks or meals turns into a habit.
Headaches, nosebleeds or both can occur because of the pressure brace tightening builds up especially the day or two after a tightening.
When braces are tightened the excess metal is cut off and you will be asked to run your tongue over the metal to make sure it feels smooth. A big-portion of the time a tiny metal end will be missed digging its way into your cheek well after your visit to the office. If you smile it will cut deeper. Any soft spot inside the mouth is at risk. That’s why the orthodontists give out wax. The wax is supposed to be put on top of the metal end, bothering you, to help prevent cutting or pain. Wax doesn’t stay in place well and it gets swallowed a lot.
When you go on visits to the orthodontist watch out for trainees. New assistants who want to practice on your mouth. They do prep work and even tighten the braces plus clip off excess metal etc. They tend to leave plenty of excess metal behind.
Be prepared to wear headgear at least twelve hours a day. This too causes headaches and nosebleeds.
After braces are removed a retainer is usually worn for a year. Upon removal of braces an orthodontist might not get all of the bonding material (glue) that holds the braces on off. It can take a year before it finally wears away.
Scars inside the mouth especially the cheeks may be permanent and become agitated by wearing the retainer. Teeth could be discolored from where the braces were bonded to the teeth.
Teeth won’t return normal for awhile they have to settle in once the braces are gone. Retainers help to keep teeth from moving about too much.
The orthodontist usually sees you a year after your braces have came off.
Improper straightening could result in teeth rubbing together and grinding of teeth possibly leading to a chipped tooth. Teeth sensitivity, cheek and nerve sensitivity may also take place.
A retainer is to be worn for the rest of your teeth’s life otherwise teeth will return to being crooked.
