5 Things to Expect From a Braces Treatment
Posted on January 25, 2023
Braces can transform your teeth but won’t deliver instant results. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, on average, people wear braces anywhere from 1 to 3 years, but you may need them for longer. If you’re currently preparing for braces treatment, these are a few things you can expect in the weeks and months to come.
1. Discomfort
Most people don’t experience pain when braces are put on, but wearing braces can cause discomfort. Braces put pressure on your teeth, which can take time to get used to. Most people adapt to braces after wearing them for one or two weeks. Your orthodontist may make adjustments to improve the fit of your braces.
2. Dietary Restrictions
At first, eating with braces might feel strange. It’s usually best to start with soft foods, like soup or mashed potatoes. After you become more comfortable with your braces, you can eat a wider range of foods. However, there are some foods, like popcorn and sticky candy, you’ll have to avoid. Getting food stuck between your braces and teeth can disrupt the alignment process, and will require an orthodontic visit to fix. Make sure to avoid the foods your orthodontist recommends you stay away from.
3. Dental Care
While braces can correct many dental issues, you’ll still need to maintain good oral hygiene. If you don’t clean your teeth, plaque can build up around your braces, leaving you with stains or leading to tooth decay. It’s best to brush and floss your teeth after every meal so that you can remove any food particles trapped in your braces.
4. Protective Measures
You don’t have to give up sports and other physical activities if you have braces, but you should take some precautions. Mouthguards are an easy and effective way to protect your teeth from injury. Losing a tooth could delay your braces treatment, which is why it’s best to play it safe.
5. Retainer
When your braces come off, you’ll have beautiful straight teeth. Your orthodontist will recommend wearing a retainer once your treatment is finished to keep your teeth in their new position. Unlike braces, retainers are removable, and you won’t have to wear your retainer all the time. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely so that you can protect your smile!
For many people, a braces treatment is life-changing. It can take time to adapt to braces, but if you know what to expect, you’ll be able to adjust before long. Braces can be challenging, but you won’t have to wear them forever. Contact Bret Johnson Orthodontics today to start your journey toward a straight smile!
