Although braces have a bad reputation for making an individual look and speak funny, they are a necessary piece of dental equipment if you need to have corrections done on your teeth. Braces are an orthodontic device that can do wonders in correcting dental alignment and crowding. They can help you achieve that perfect set of pearly whites. If you’re set to have braces, the dentist has to prepare your teeth so you can comfortably wear them. For your part, there are things you can do to help ease the transition to getting braces.
Talk to your dentist. Know what to expect before and after you get your braces. Listen to your dentist when he explains the procedure to install the braces. Ask how long you’ll have to wear them. Depending on the severity of your dental problems, you may need to wear braces anywhere from six months to three years. The dentist should do a thorough checkup and x-ray of your teeth to determine the best type of braces for your situation. He will also address any pre-existing dental problems before installing the braces on your teeth.
Practice good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth well and floss everyday. Massage your gums to improve circulation. The healthier your teeth, the easier you’ll be able to adjust to getting braces. If you have gum or dental disease, you may not be able to get braces right away.
Condition yourself that you will need to live with braces in the interim. Remove from your mindset any negative concept about using braces. It won’t make you ugly or unpopular. In fact, it is a necessary tool to help correct any dental imperfections.
Have some anti-inflammatory pain killers ready. Stock up on ibuprofen before you get your braces. The day after you get your braces, you will feel pain because of the adjustment you teeth are undergoing. It may be difficult to eat and you will feel discomfort.
Prepare your food. The day before you get your braces, indulge in things you’ll have a difficult time eating when you get braces. This includes meat and things that can get caught in the wires of your braces. Stock your refrigerator and freezer with soft and easy to eat food so you can still eat after you get your braces. Ice cream and fruit shakes are soothing to eat if you recently got braces. It may be hard to chew immediately after, so have some soft food like bananas, mashed potato and pasta on hand.
Purchase a toothbrush specially designed for those who use orthodontic devices. You can’t use a regular toothbrush to clean your teeth when you have braces, so buy a specially designed one. It will say on the packaging the toothbrush is designed for teeth with braces. If you have sensitive teeth, switch to a toothpaste such as Sensodyne.
Keep these in mind as you prepare for getting braces. In a few days, the pain should subside and you’ll get used to your new braces in no time. Go back to your dentist every two to four weeks for your regular adjustments so you can get results much quicker.
