Braces: What to Expect
First things first, what are braces?
Well, braces are an orthodontic procedure that are used to straighten teeth.
Ideally used for people who have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, they apply pressure to move teeth into the correct positions. At Northenden House we offer different types of braces for your needs; the most common being lingual braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign aligners.
Getting braces can be quite a daunting, especially when you don’t know what to expect. But worry not as we will guide you through the whole process.
There are 3 main areas we are going to cover so you know what to anticipate.
Considering Braces
Speaking to your dentist about receiving brace treatments is the first step. They will assess your teeth, outline your issues and then refer your case onto a specialist orthodontist.
Meeting your Orthodontist and Prescribing a Plan of Treatment
At the initial appointment, they will ask you questions about your health and perform a clinical exam this will be reinforced with a series of radiographs. You might also expect them to take photographs and impressions or a scan of your teeth. Your orthodontist will have your best needs in mind, and choose a suitable plan for your particular situation.
The Procedure
The next step is actually fitting your braces. Your orthodontist should explain the process to you and perform it in stages similar to this:
- They will begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth
- Then an adhesive substance is applied to your teeth (this is what the brackets attach to)
- Once they are in place, they are set in position with a light cure.
- They will then place the archwire into the brackets. Elastics or wire ligatures are used to secure the archwire in place.
Generally speaking, the entire procedure takes around an hour. Afterwards, it should not hurt or feel painful but it is normal to feel discomfort.
Immediately After the Procedure
It will, typically, take about a week for you to get used to your braces. To start with, your tongue and cheeks may rub against the braces and can cause some sensitivity. Help these issues by taking paracetamol for the aches, and using orthodontic wax to cover sharp bits of wire.
Caring for Your Mouth and Braces
If you want to get the best results, it's important you take care of your braces properly. Daily brushing and flossing should be maintained, and when brushing teeth do it thoroughly.
You will also need to pay particular attention to the foods you eat, as certain treats can cause damage to your teeth and thus braces. Foods such as toffee, gummy sweets, popcorn and nuts, are good to avoid - these can pop wires and break your braces very easily.
Regular appointments with your orthodontist should also be made for any adjustments to your braces.
If you’d like more advice on braces, or even other orthodontic treatments, then you can call us on 0161 884 1481. Or alternatively, you can email us at info@manchesterorthodontics.co.uk.
- Tags: brace brace care braces for adults ceramic braces Clarity braces crooked teeth incognito Invisalign Invisalign aligners lingual appliance lingual braces misaligned bite Northenden House Northenden House Orthodontics orthodontic procedure orthodontic treatment Orthodontics specialist orthodontics straight teeth teeth straightening
- Mohammad Malik
