Getting braces is one of the most common teeth straightening procedures, if you are feeling insecure about your smile, then it may be time to start on your braces journey. There are many things you should know before getting braces. But one thing is for sure — you will definitely not be alone. There are many people out there with braces too — we have compiled a list of things that people with braces know all too well, read on to learn more!
Your teeth will feel uncomfortable at first
Your dentist will take about two hours for the application of braces. Since a foreign object will be introduced into your system, you are sure to be met with some discomfort and for some, you might feel pain. We recommend taking the rest of the day off from work or school so that you can recuperate from the pain with a soothing smoothie or go snuggle under the covers to get ample rest. However, after the first few weeks, your body will soon be accustomed to the feeling of braces and you will feel less pain and discomfort as time passes.
Changes will take place FAST
You’ll soon learn that the discomfort and pain are worth it, within the first months, you’ll already be able to notice changes in your teeth. The good news is, these changes are for the better! Your teeth will visibly grow straighter pretty soon, so just hang in there because the pain will be worth it.
The frightening tightening process
If you ask anyone with braces, they are sure to share the dreaded tightening appointments that they have to go to every few weeks. However, the pain will probably last a day at most after every session. Just be sure to brace yourself for the pain. There’s heaps of advice on the internet as well as remedies your dentist may recommend that you can heed to reduce the discomfort.
You might get a lisp
Again, getting used to all the metal in your mouth will take time. During the period that your body is adjusting to the braces, you might get a minor lisp. Not to fret as it is a natural part of the process. In time to come your mouth will work its way around the braces and you’ll be able to get over your lisp especially when your teeth are getting more aligned and straight. You can consider getting alternative forms of braces if you are very concerned that a lisp might affect you terribly.
Lip balm and wax will be your best friend
Your lips are going to be uncomfortable and very evidently — DRY. We suggest getting lip balm during the course of your braces journey to get rid of chapped lips. A nourishing lip balm will do the trick so that you won’t have to suffer more discomfort than you already do with all the newly introduced metal in your mouth.
Wax is also another important part of your braces journey. Many dentists prescribe orthodontic wax to their patients and it is usually applied to the brackets on your teeth to protect your lips from rubbing or abrasion. This will definitely provide some relief to your mouth area. If you are unsure as to how to apply it, remember to ask your dentist! Also, most crucially, do not forget to take the wax out from your braces before consuming anything.
The issue with food getting stuck
If you ever wondered if food will get stuck in your braces, well, it will. It might stay there for long periods even. It might take hours before food particles that are stuck between your braces come out. So if you know that you won’t be able to sustain the long uncomfortable periods of food stuck in your braces, pack your cleaning kit with you wherever you go.
How does one floss with all the metal?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that flossing is probably going to be extra difficult with braces in your mouth. However, it is important to still maintain oral hygiene when you have braces on. You could use flossing threaders that help pull regular floss through the gaps so that you can still floss your teeth when you get braces. There is also the option of using a water flosser that uses a narrow stream of water to displace the food particles that might get stuck in your teeth.
Your braces will be off before you know it
Depending on the type of procedure your braces are meant for, different people will have to wear braces for differing lengths of time. It can take for as little as eight months for some and as much as four years for others. Not to fret if you do take longer though! Since your body will get used to the braces, most of the time, you will not even realize it is there. You’ll be surprised when it’s time to remove your braces as you wouldn’t have noticed that that much time even passed by.
Setbacks might take place during your braces journey
As part of any process and journey, there will be some humps and hurdles along the way. However, your dentist is sure to help you get through these setbacks. For instance, something might arise only while you are undergoing treatment that your dentist might not have been able to foresee at the start. This might add a few extra months to the time that it takes for you to completely remove your braces. Nonetheless, do trust that your braces will eventually come off in a matter of time. Don’t sweat it!
Straight teeth are not the only important thing, your bite is too
Braces are commonly known to straighten your teeth so that they appear aligned. However, braces are also important in helping your correct your bite. Many people get braces due to bite issues such as having an overbite or an underbite. Your bite is related to your jaw and thus if you need to correct your bite, this might add some time to your overall braces journey.
Conclusion
The most important thing to keep in mind throughout this painful and discomforting yet special journey is to know that it will all be worth it in the end. If you keep your mind focused on the end goal, you will be very excited to get your braces off. When you see the end product, you will be assured that your money was put into a good investment.