One way to smoothen the process of adapting to your new braces is by being prepared. Whether you’re having this orthodontic treatment as a child, teenager, or adult, you can never take preparation out of the equation. So if you’re reading this post today, chances are, you’re due for braces in the following days or weeks.
With the guidelines we’ve carefully put together to prepare you for this life-changing decision, you won’t need to concern yourself with the uncertainties you may experience before and after your treatment.
What to Do Before Having Your Braces
Braces help you have a beautiful smile, healthy bite, and straighter teeth. Undergoing this orthodontic treatment can be one of your life’s most special occasions. However, there are still a few things to do before you celebrate.
Here are five preparation pointers to keep in mind when preparing for your braces.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
It’s okay to feel nervous before your braces appointment. Reading other people’s experiences from a patient’s perspective during and after the treatment can relieve lingering fears. Researching beforehand gives you an idea about what to anticipate in your appointment and helps you better prepare yourself mentally.
When you book an appointment for braces, the dentist will check if dental work needs to be done first. This may include dental fillings and professional teeth cleaning. You may visit websites like platinumdentalgroup.com/bayonne to learn more about common dental procedures.
2. Choose What Type of Braces You’ll Get
Although metal wire braces are the most well-known and traditional type, you can still consider other choices. Some popular options of braces you can select from are:
Invisalign Aligners
Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are an outstanding alternative to consider. These are made of transparent plastic materials customized to fit your specific teeth. The good thing about this type of aligner is that it is removable and easy to clean and maintain. Since it’s transparent, it’s difficult to notice when somebody uses it.
Self-Ligating Braces
This kind of braces look similar to conventional metal wire braces. However, their primary difference is that self-ligating braces generally utilize a permanently installed system to hold the archwire in place instead of ligatures.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces function similarly to typical braces. However, they go on the back surface of the teeth instead of the front. Folks who don’t want others to know they have braces often opt for this choice.
3. Concentrate on the Benefits of Braces
If the idea of getting braces is scary and frightening, the benefits you’ll get after the treatment will surely motivate you. Not only will you have straighter teeth and proper bites, but you’ll also have beautiful smiles and an improved appearance. Concentrating on the benefits of braces will raise your self-confidence and keep you from getting reluctant or unsure about making your last decision.
4. Thoroughly Clean Your Teeth
The orthodontist needs a plaque-free tooth surface to allow the cement to adhere effectively. If you want to skip the professional clean before your application, ensure you clean your teeth gently and properly after your last meal before your appointment. However, the dentist will still decide whether a teeth cleaning will be necessary. You may call them now if you need your teeth checked and professionally cleaned.
5. Stock Up on Soft Foods
Since the orthodontist will restrict you from eating crunchy, chewy, or hard foods after the dental procedure, you can prepare by stocking on soft foods. Protein shakes, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, and smoothies are food choices you can stash and munch on for the first few weeks of using braces. If you want to eat veggies, try pureeing vegetable soup or adding spinach to your smoothies.
When you go to the dentist for your dental implant appointment, they’ll also prohibit hard foods to help you recover quickly. Since dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, they will need time to heal and integrate into your gums permanently. Avoiding tough foods after 1-2 weeks can aid in the recovery process.
Conclusion
Braces require preparation and commitment on your part. However, the efforts you’ll devote before and after the treatment far surpass the benefits you’ll reap for years with a beautiful smile and optimum oral health. If you have any questions regarding braces maintenance, your orthodontist can address them based on your unique situation.