The first appointment for dental braces

Getting Dental Braces? What to Expect


If you've been recommended for dental braces, you're most likely concerned about what the treatment holds in store.   There are likely to be questions about the nature of the treatment, the pain involved, and how the braces will affect your lifestyle. You'll want to know if you can eat the way you normally do, and play all your favorite sports.  Relax, and continue reading -we have the answers to all your dental braces questions right here.

The first appointment for dental braces

First of all, you will have to visit your orthodontist for an initial examination. Your orthodontist will conduct a complete examination of your mouth, and take impressions of your teeth. He may take X-rays of your mouth and head, as well as photographs of your teeth. He will then create an orthodontic plan that will work for you.

Once your braces are ready, you will be fitted with these. You may find them strange, and even uncomfortable in the beginning, but with time, you will get used to how they feel.  If you feel any sharp edges poking and injuring the soft tissues of your mouth, let your orthodontist know immediately.  

Once the braces have been fitted in, you can expect to have them stay there for a period of between one and three years.  The duration of treatment depends on the kind of teeth movement that is required, the amount of space available in the mouth for movement, your overall oral health, as well as the manner in which you follow instructions. Remember, that improper care of your braces and teeth, and eating the wrong foods can affect the course of the treatment, so make sure that you follow all the instructions given by the orthodontist carefully.

Your orthodontist will have you visit every month to check on the progress of the treatment.  He will adjust the brackets and wires to exert even more pressure on the teeth to encourage them to move to their position.  You can expect some slight discomfort, or even pain during these adjustments.  An over-the-counter pain killer can help.

There will be restrictions on your diet that you must follow closely.  Nuts, pretzels, candy, corn on the cob, carrots and crushed ice are strict no nos.  Also avoid caramel toffees and chewing gum.  These foods can interfere with the fitting of the brackets and wires, and may result in your treatment being continued for longer than was originally panned.

Contrary to expectation, you can go on playing sports as you did before. There is a risk of damage to the braces and injury to your mouth when you participate in rough contact sports, like hockey and football. In such cases, you can use a dental mouth guard that protects your teeth.  These guards can either be purchased in stock sizes, or especially created by your dentist to fit your teeth.  Customized mouth guards are always a better option.

Once your braces have been removed, you will be fitted with a retainer to maintain the newly aligned position of your teeth. These have to be worn for a period of six months and thereafter, only at nights.