Getting braces can make some patients nervous at first. It can seem like a lot to take on! That’s part of why having a team like the Kottemann Orthodontics team in your corner can be so reassuring. Today, we’ll give you some helpful tips for adjusting to your braces!
Why Should I Get Braces?
When you consult with our doctors about braces, they will carefully assess your needs and develop a customized treatment plan that suits your unique situation, whether you’re a child, adolescent, or adult. This and many other factors influence our approach. Here are several reasons why braces might be recommended for you or your child:
- Crowded Teeth: Insufficient space in the jaw causes teeth to overlap or become crooked. This misalignment can make it challenging to clean your teeth properly and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth can develop naturally. Braces can help close these gaps, resulting in a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Malocclusion: This term refers to misalignment of the teeth or an improper bite, such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, which can lead to both functional and cosmetic difficulties.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Braces aren’t only for addressing orthodontic issues; they can also enhance the appearance of your smile, helping you feel more confident about your looks.
- Jaw Problems: Braces can also correct jaw alignment issues that may contribute to problems like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder.
- Oral Health: Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can help prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, braces can also be a proactive measure for maintaining good oral health.
Reviewing Braces Components
To understand some of the best ways to adjust to your braces, you should first be familiar with what makes them work! There are a number of components that work together to shift your teeth.
- Brackets: Small metal or ceramic brackets are affixed to each tooth using a special adhesive, which act as anchors for the other components of the braces.
- Archwires: These wires are usually made from stainless steel or nickel-titanium, and connect the brackets and apply pressure to gradually move the teeth into alignment. We tighten these wires manually in our office.
- Elastic Bands: Also known as O-rings, these bands secure the archwire to the brackets and come in a variety of colors, which are especially popular among our younger patients at Kottemann Orthodontics.
Tips for Adjusting to Your Braces
With this information in mind, here is a good breakdown of some of the ways you can make your experience with braces start off smoothly.
- Follow Care Instructions: First and foremost, be diligent about following the care instructions provided by your doctor, which will cover how to handle and clean your braces. For parents of young children, this means closely observing their practices and instilling good habits.
- Expect Some Initial Discomfort: It’s absolutely normal to experience some irritation or discomfort after first getting your braces applied, as well as after each adjustment. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this type of discomfort. But remember, for any pain that seems usual or persistent, reach out to our office so we can take a look.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Applying orthodontic wax to the brackets and wires helps to prevent irritation on the soft tissues of your mouth. This can provide plenty of relief and help you get used to the feeling of braces.
- Choose Soft Foods: Be careful about sticking to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies, especially during the initial few days after getting your braces or following adjustments. This helps avoid discomfort when chewing.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Consequently, you should steer clear of sticky, hard, or chewy foods, all of which can damage your braces or get stuck in them. This includes gum, nuts, and hard candies.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping your braces clean is critical. It helps avoid plaque buildup and bacteria. We recommend the aid of a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss threaders for easier cleaning. Some patients opt to use a water flosser, instead.
- Be Patient with Adjustments: Be gentle with yourself as you adjust to the new sensations and changes in your bite. It might take a few days to get used to how your braces feel, but you will get acclimated.
Starting Off Strong!
Above all else, we hope our patients at Kottemann Orthodontics keep a positive attitude and communicate any concerns or issues along the way with our team. One of our responsibilities is to answer any questions and make sure we get you through treatment successfully—so don’t be afraid to ask! Our Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, and Plymouth offices love welcoming new patients, as well as welcoming back current ones!