Thinking About Getting Braces? What You Need To Know

Getting braces can be a bit daunting, but it also can be an exciting new chapter to straight, healthy teeth that will last you a lifetime!

When thinking about getting braces, you first want to consult with an orthodontist. You might be concerned about the cost of a consultation; however, a high-quality orthodontic office often offers no charge consultations and can cover a wide array of topics, from your medical history to your treatment options and even financial needs like payment plans.

This initial consultation is an essential part of your treatment plan to talk about your orthodontic concerns, problems and what treatment would be best suited for you. Some of the things that a good quality orthodontist will talk to you about before you can get braces include:

  • Your medical history

  • Your Orthodontic concerns/problems (malocclusion)

  • Treatment options

  • Treatment Plan

  • Mode of treatment (braces, clear aligners or even behind the teeth braces)

  • Financial needs like whether you require payment plans

Preparing For Braces

Once your treatment plan has been finalized the first thing your orthodontist will recommend is getting a cleaning with your general dentist. This is because your orthodontist needs your teeth and gums to be clean and healthy before your braces are put on.

The Day You Get Your Braces on

Getting braces put on typically takes the same amount of time as watching your favorite TV show, about 45-60 minutes. Generally, after your teeth are prepped, the braces are treated with adhesive and fitted to your teeth. After this the orthodontist connect each tooth with wires. 

It is a good idea to have some over the counter pain medication handy as your teeth and gums are likely to be a little sore. This soreness usually goes away in a few days.

Cleaning Your Teeth When You Have Braces

Now that you have your braces on you want to avoid certain foods that can break brackets and bend wires. Avoid hard foods like nuts, lollipops, chewy candies, carrots and popcorn.

You want to make extra certain that you are really cleaning your teeth morning and night with a good quality toothpaste and mouthwash as food and bacteria get more easily trapped between your teeth.

If you are looking to get a straighter and healthier smile contact your local Orthodontist for a consultation. If you’re in the Washington, DC area, Dr. Patrice Smith at Infinity Orthodontics offers Orthodontic treatment with options to fit your very busy lifestyle. Choose from convenient options like behind the teeth braces, Invisalign or custom braces.

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