#What To Do – Before, During, And After Braces

Many people feel self-conscious about their smile but can’t gather the courage to get braces, and this is totally normal. Anybody would feel hesitant with a metal mouth. But what we don’t focus on is a beautiful, straight smile for life after the braces are removed.

Moreover, if you know everything about the process, making the decision becomes much easier. Continue reading to find what you can expect before, during, and after the orthodontic treatment. You will realize that it’s not that scary, after all.

Before Getting Braces

The scariest part of getting braces is feelings of embarrassment. However, you should know this:

• Braces are very common; nobody will look at you differently or make fun of you.
• You will feel slight pain and discomfort for a couple of days after getting braces, which can easily go away with painkillers prescribed by your orthodontist or over-the-counter medications.
• You will have a wonderful smile once the treatment is done.
• To get that perfect smile, you must prepare yourself mentally and sit in the orthodontist’s chair without any fear.

During Orthodontic Treatment Using Braces

Getting braces means a long-term commitment – a commitment to your oral health. Without taking good care of your teeth, you cannot expect to be magically blessed with a beautiful, pearly white smile. So, here are a few things you must do after you get fitted with braces:

• Stick to a liquid diet up to 2-3 days after the placement of braces to reduce pressure on the teeth and gums that may already be hurting.
• Use a relief wax given by your orthodontist for the initial few days, if needed.
• Once your teeth start to feel normal, switch from fluids to foods. However, make sure that you do not consume any chewy and sticky foods. Chewy and sticky foods such as caramel, raisin, chewing gums, etc. may get stuck between brackets and below the wires. And if they stay inside your mouth for long, bacteria thrive on them, building plaque. Also, avoid hard foods that can damage the braces.
• Brush your teeth after every meal and floss between the teeth and under the wires at least once a day. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious dental problems.
• Visit your orthodontist frequently to get your braces tightened.
• Go for professional teeth cleaning every 3 to 4 months.

After The Braces Are Removed

After the braces are removed, it is likely that your teeth would shift back into their original position. To avoid this from happening, you will need to wear retainers after braces for at least six months.

The duration of retainers varies depending on the degree of malocclusion. Therefore, if your teeth were extremely crooked before the treatment, you will have to wear retainers for longer than six months. If you’re lucky, your doctor can recommend retainers that only need to be worn for a few hours a day.

Don’t put off your dream smile. Get in touch with your orthodontist and learn more about the course and complexity of your treatment. Keep smiling!