
Braces are considered an unofficial rite of passage among teenagers. However, some adults struggle with the awkwardness whenever they receive this orthodontic treatment. So before you get braces, you have to consider a few things to avoid common mistakes and poor timing.
You need to address other dental problems first.
Before your dentist in Scottsdale, AZ puts the braces on, they will first have to resolve pre-existing dental issues. This includes removing and filling cavities, extracting wisdom teeth, and treating gum problems. Your dentist needs to complete all this dental work first to not interfere with the lengthy orthodontic treatment.
You Need to Commit to the Process
Braces are uncomfortable and awkward, but you have to commit to realize results. This treatment usually lasts for 18 to 24 months, depending on the severity of your teeth’s misalignment. Following your dentist’s visit schedule will help speed up the process.
You Need to Adjust Your Diet
Eating with braces on is a challenge. You have to avoid certain food items, especially hard and chewy ones. Basically, you need to avoid biting on food that could loosen the brackets or break the wires.
For those who love eating, this is the hardest part of wearing braces. Many people who had braces experience weight loss in the first few weeks due to the discomfort of eating.
It Could Be Expensive
Braces aren’t the cheapest dental work, so you have to prepare a budget. Severe teeth misalignment will usually cost more to fix in addition to other dental work that needs to be done to prepare your mouth.
It will help a lot if your dental insurance covers the treatment. Still, every dollar is worth it for a beautiful smile.
Initial Discomfort Is Normal
For the first few weeks, your mouth will feel sore. This is due to the constant pressure the braces put on your teeth. It would be hard to chew and eat, but this should pass as your teeth get used to the sensation.
Your dentist will ask you to come back monthly for brace adjustments. The process involves replacing the wires with thicker ones to increase the pressure on your teeth.
You’ll Have a Temporary Lisp
Due to the metal brackets and wire, you may have a slight lisp while the braces are on. You don’t have to worry because this will be gone once the braces are removed after the treatment. If lisp is a major concern, you can explore other options like Invisalign.
It Will Be Hard to Floss
Flossing is challenging when you have braces. It isn’t easy to get the floss through the teeth because of the wire. The solution is using a dental threader to get the floss past the braces. Overall, this will require more effort and patience, but you should never skip flossing.
Conclusion
Preparing yourself before the application of the braces is important, so you’ll know what to expect. You’ll have to make some sacrifices, but it’s nothing compared to the benefits you’ll enjoy. A few months of awkwardness and discomfort is just a small thing compared to years of confident smiles.