If you’re looking to have perfectly straight teeth, odds are braces are at the top of your to-do list. Whether it’s to have healthy teeth or to flash an amazing smile, you want to know what you’ll experience along the way. Maybe you’re worried of what you’ll have to go through, or you’ve heard some rumors about what having braces is like. Your local dentist can provide some insight on what to expect when getting braces in Terrell. Read on to find out more!
Your First Day with Braces
On the very first day you get braces, you might feel mild discomfort, usually because you keep your mouth open a while. The most discomfort would be if the bracket touches against soft tissue. To avoid any issues, your dentist has several things to do in preparing your braces. These involve:
- Drying your teeth
- Applying the glue for the brackets
- Attaching a metal bracket to the center of each tooth
- Connecting these brackets with arch wires
Braces During the First Week
The first week will require some getting used to, as your teeth might feel sore due to the movement. You’ll feel your bite gradually change, which means the braces are working.
During the process, there might be acute discomfort. You can relieve this by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Other habits to practice would be to avoid acidic foods/drinks and eating soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, or scrambled eggs.
If your mouth feels sore, you may apply orthodontic wax over any brackets that are bothering your mouth. You can also use an over-the-counter oral numbing medication to numb sore spots.
Regular Orthodontist Appointments
You will have regular appointments where your orthodontist will adjust your braces. This can cause discomfort for a few days afterwards, but it should be mild and manageable.
Some of the adjustments performed include configuring your arch wires differently, tightening the wire, or attaching elastic rubber bands to certain hooks on your braces. These bands stretch from top to bottom jaws at various lengths to correct your bite
First Six Months with Braces
After six months, you probably won’t even notice your braces anymore. Of course, there’s the regular oral hygiene routines to remind you, but your bite corrections will have done tremendous work. With a properly aligned bite comes a relief in stress or discomfort in your teeth and muscles.
However long you’ll need braces, you can feel confident that it only takes a bit of regular care and maintenance to get through it. Your mouth will feel sore at times, but in the end, you’ll be thankful for having stronger teeth and a perfect smile!
About the Practice
Texas Dentistry, located in Terrell, TX, is comprised of a highly trained team committed to quality and trustworthy dentistry for the community. Using state-of-the-art technology, Texas Dentistry can provide you with efficient and advanced dental treatment for the whole family. They offer multiple dentistry treatments, including traditional orthodontics. If you’re ready to get your braces at Texas Dentistry, visit their website or call 972-563-9444.