In 2019, three-quarters of Canadians sought professional dental care, including orthodontist visits for braces.
Braces are a standard treatment for “bad bites” or malocclusion of teeth. This happens when one’s teeth are crowded or crooked, resulting in misalignment when you close your mouth.
Mild cases of malocclusion could result in mild cosmetic problems. But, when left untreated, they could impact one’s overall health and self-esteem. Aside from dental issues like cavities and gum disease, malocclusion could also affect how you speak or chew your food.
Many dental professionals recommend orthodontic treatments, such as braces, to adjust your teeth to a new position. But, before you get your new smile, here’s what you could expect after getting your braces.
What To Expect on the Day of Getting Your Braces
There are different types of braces readily available today, suitable for different lifestyles, comfort levels, and budgets. Before getting your braces attached, you will need to go through some checkups to help your orthodontist plan out the treatment.
Different braces have slight differences, but the procedures are also quite similar due to their functions. Putting them on usually involves the following steps:
- Adding spacers. If teeth are too close together, these create space for the bands to fit around your back teeth.
- Cleaning and drying the teeth. This ensures a clean surface for the dentist to work on.
- Gluing the brackets on. Brackets are the metal or ceramic pieces on each tooth that hold the wires.
- Putting on the bands. These metal bands anchor the braces and will be slid onto your back molars.
- Archwire attachment. The orthodontist will then attach the archwires to each bracket, securing them with small rubber bands in the colour of your choice. If you have self-ligating brackets, the rubber bands are no longer needed.
Metal or Ceramic Braces
Metal braces are the most widely available type. From the bulkier models of the past, they have now become sleeker, though still rather noticeable. Still, they are popular for a reason, as they usually attain faster results.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal ones, except they use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones, making them less noticeable.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are also structured similarly to traditional metal or ceramic braces, except for their brackets.
The brackets have a door-like or clip mechanism instead of using ligatures or small elastics to secure the archwires. This structure makes for shorter appointment times due to how easy they are to adjust.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces involve putting the brackets on the back side of the teeth, making them less noticeable. This option is suitable for adults or people that don’t want to have visible braces while still reaping the benefits.
However, lingual braces are less common since they require a different set of orthodontic skills than other braces. Orthodontists would require additional, specialized training to perform this procedure.
Clear Aligners or Invisalign
Clear aligners have a different structure than traditional braces. Instead of adjustable brackets and wires, clear aligners are custom-moulded to each person’s teeth.
The orthodontist first creates a 3D image of the teeth to help predict how they will realign throughout the treatment process. Then, custom, removable aligners will be made for the treatment process.
The patient will wear each aligner in sequence for one to two weeks at a time until the treatment is complete. Invisalign is the most popular brand of these clear aligners, making the brand name almost synonymous with this orthodontic treatment.
With Ontario’s focus on public health and healthier communities, you can get Invisalign in Hamilton from certified professionals trained in this method.
What To Expect After Getting Braces
Getting braces isn’t easy. You will have to wear them for several months or a few years, needing some adjustment. Here are some things you could expect after getting them:
Your First Week
People often do not experience pain or discomfort immediately after getting their braces on. However, as the days go by, the pressure that comes with the braces will be more noticeable.
Below are some sensations and changes you might experience in your first week with braces:
- Pain and discomfort. Braces exert pressure on the teeth, slowly moving them to the desired position. This will result in some pain, especially during your first week.
- Sores, scrapes, or cuts. Metal brackets could be rough, and when they constantly rub against your cheek or tongue, it could result in some mild inflammation or injury.
- Change in diet. Braces will affect your mouth mobility, as chewing some foods could cause pain. It’s advisable to eat soft foods like mashed potatoes and smoothies during your first few weeks.
A Few Months In
- Acclimation to the braces. After some time, you would get used to the sensation of braces, and the initial pain and discomfort would go away.
- More diverse diet. Eating other foods, such as meat would be more manageable as you get used to the braces. However, it’s still best to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your brackets.
- Adjustment appointments. Your braces will need regular adjustments for them to continue working. These appointments usually happen once a month or when necessary.
How To Take Care of Your Teeth With Braces
For your braces to last throughout your treatment, you need to take proper care of them. These steps will also ensure that your teeth and mouth remain healthy.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Newly attached or adjusted braces could come with some pain and discomfort due to the pressure that braces put onto your teeth.
If the pain becomes unbearable, you could use over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil or Ibuprofen, to help you manage the discomfort.
Brushing and Flossing Twice Daily
Most braces’ brackets and wires provide more surfaces for plaque and debris to stick to, so proper brushing is essential.
Using a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, be thorough during your brushing routine. Make sure to brush gently on every surface, ensuring cleanliness without damaging the brackets.
It’s also best to floss at least once a day. This practice ensures your teeth are as clean as possible, preventing plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Sticking With Braces-Friendly Foods
Your braces are pretty sturdy, but they are not indestructible. Some foods are better than others when protecting your teeth and your braces.
It’s best to stick with softer foods as long as you have your braces on and avoid hard and sticky foods like ice, nuts, hard candy, popcorn, and chewing gum.
Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
You must continue seeing your Hamilton dentist before, during, and after your braces. Regular visits ensure that your braces work as intended and your dental health is in top shape.
Your dentist will be able to address the possible issues as they arise, ensuring that they don’t get worse and you stay safe and healthy.
What To Expect When Removing Your Braces
When the treatment is complete, it’s time to remove the braces during a dental appointment.
The removal process is relatively straightforward and usually doesn’t involve pain. The dentist will loosen and remove the brackets, wires, and the molar band if you have one.
After removing the braces, the dentist will conduct a thorough tooth cleaning and subsequent examinations and x-rays to check if the braces were effective. This information could also help create your removable retainer, which will help your teeth keep their shape post-braces.
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Get Professional Orthodontic Services Today
Getting braces is an excellent way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and maintain a beautiful smile. The process takes some time and significant effort, but the results are well worth it.
With a growing city population, it’s clear that more people will soon be in demand of an orthodontist in Hamilton, Ontario.
You can count on the experts from Dentistry on 7th to help you find the best treatments for your dental and orthodontic needs. Book your next dental checkup with us!
Need braces? Let Dentistry on 7th handle your orthodontic needs. Book a consultation with our team today.
FAQs on What To Expect After Braces
1. How long do braces take to work?
Braces take an average of one to three years to work. This period could vary depending on your circumstances.
2. Which braces work the fastest?
It’s best to consult your dentist to determine which type of braces would work fastest for your situation. Metal braces and Invisalign are the most popular choices for braces, and both have been observed to work quickly. However, this is still case-to-case, as different people require different degrees of orthodontic work.
3. Do braces only work on young people?
No. Braces work for people of all ages. However, they are more effective on children who have not yet gone through puberty.