One way to smoothen the process of adjusting to your new braces is by being prepared. Whether you are 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 have carefully put together to prepare you for this life-changing decision, you won’t have to burden yourself with the uncertainties you may encounter before or after your treatment.
What to Do Before Having Your Braces
Braces help you have a stunning smile, healthy bite, and straighter teeth. Undergoing this orthodontic treatment can be one of your life’s most memorable occasions. However, there are still a few things to do before celebrating.
Here are five preparation pointers to consider when preparing for your braces.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
It’s alright 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 mentally prepare yourself.
When you book an appointment for your braces, the dentist will see if there is dental work that needs to be done first. This may include dental fillings and professional teeth cleaning. If you have cavities, an emergency dentist can address your situation with a temporary or permanent tooth filling. To learn more about common emergency dentistry services, you may read more about it on the web.
2. Choose What Type of Braces You’ll Get
Although metal wire braces are the most well-known and standard type, you can still consider other alternatives. Some popular choices of braces you can pick from are:
Invisalign Aligners
Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are an outstanding alternative to consider. These are made from transparent plastic materials customized to fit your specific teeth. The good thing about this type of aligner is that it’s detachable and easy to clean and maintain. Since it is 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 main difference is that self-ligating braces generally utilize a permanently installed mechanism to hold the archwire in place instead of ligatures.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces function like standard 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 usually opt for this choice.
3. Concentrate on the Benefits of Braces
If the thought of getting braces is frightening and scary, 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 confident smiles and an improved appearance. Focusing on the benefits of braces will raise your self-confidence and keep you from getting unsure or reluctant about making your last decision.
4. Thoroughly Clean Your Teeth
The orthodontist needs a plaque-free tooth surface to let the cement adhere effectively. If you want to skip the professional clean before your application, clean your teeth gently and properly after your last meal before heading to your appointment. However, the dentist will still decide whether a professional teeth cleaning will be needed. You may visit Platinum Dental Group – home page to learn more about essential dental procedures.
5. Stock Up on Soft Foods
Since the orthodontist will restrict you from consuming 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 options you can stash and munch on for the first few weeks of wearing braces. If you want to eat veggies, try pureeing vegetable soup or adding spinach to your smoothies.
When you go to the dentist for root canal treatment, they’ll also prohibit hard foods to help you recuperate quickly. Since this procedure is intended for saving the natural tooth, it will need time to heal to function effectively. Avoiding tough foods after 1-2 weeks can aid in the recovery process and prevent irritation.
Conclusion
Braces require huge commitment and dedication 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.