What to Expect When Getting Braces

Getting braces can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what to expect when it comes to the color you should choose for your brackets and bands. You probably have questions like, How long do I need to wear them? or Will everyone know I have braces? or even What if I don’t like the color I chose? In this article, we’ll answer these questions, as well as any other concerns you might have about getting your braces. What Color Should I Get For My Braces?

Start with a good orthodontist

It can be tough to know where to start when it comes to choosing an orthodontist. Often, people seek recommendations from friends and family members. It’s a good idea to talk with several orthodontists before making your choice; that way you can compare their methods and make sure they have your best interests in mind. Choose someone with experience—ideally a minimum of five years in private practice, rather than being employed by a dental school or hospital. Make sure you feel comfortable with them too; if possible, arrange a consultation appointment before getting braces put on so you can ask questions, get advice and see how things will work once you're under their care.

Orthodontic Appliances Come in Many Shapes, Sizes, and Colors

What's Right for You? A big part of deciding which type of orthodontic appliance (invisible or traditional metal braces) is right for you involves how much time and money you want to invest in getting your teeth straightened. The way an orthodontist gets teeth into alignment, however, is often less important than understanding what results can be achieved with a particular treatment plan. That's why it’s always a good idea to ask questions before committing to any one course of action. Below are some important considerations that should help guide your decision-making process.

There Are Many Materials Used for Orthodontic Appliances

One of the first things you’ll need to decide is what material you want your orthodontic appliance made from. The three most common choices are: Ceramic, Metal, and Acrylic. Each material has its own unique properties and it’s important to understand them before making a decision. The majority of orthodontists recommend ceramic over metal because it does not corrode over time (as metal does) which helps eliminate unpleasant smells.

How To Clean Your Braces

The first question new patients always ask is How do I clean my braces? You might think it is difficult, but it is actually very simple. The key here is cleaning them daily! If you can just remember to brush your teeth before bedtime, your braces will be super clean by morning. Some of our patients like to use a nylon bristle toothbrush because they are easier on braces. Another option would be floss threaders (also called interdental brushes). These small brushes fit right in between brackets and are useful for catching plaque. Also, make sure you never forget about tongue scrapers! Using a scraper or brush will ensure bacteria does not get trapped under your retainer causing bad breath or other oral issues down the road.

See your orthodontist every four weeks

To get you started, you’ll have an initial consultation with your orthodontist. At your first visit, they’ll inspect your teeth and gums, take an X-ray of your teeth, and examine your bite. They may also take impressions of both upper and lower jaws using a special tray; after it hardens, they'll use these impressions to create a plaster model of each jaw that shows how everything lines up when you chew. Since there are so many factors that go into deciding which braces are right for you, it’s important to review what’s available before making a final decision.

Keep track of appointments on your calendar

Scheduling all of your orthodontist appointments takes a lot of guesswork out of it. But you should also keep track of appointments on your calendar, so that you don’t forget when you have an upcoming appointment or to make sure that they don’t fall too close together. The best time frame for appointments is every six weeks, but if your orthodontist suggests something different, be sure to follow his or her advice instead. Also, make sure you keep in mind whether or not school holidays fall during these windows; there’s no point scheduling an appointment while everyone else is off at home! To avoid having people stare at your braces (and potential embarrassment), book morning appointments whenever possible.

Carefully remove items such as rubber bands, hair ties or bobby pins before eating

The doctor will have you look into a mirror, put some goo on your teeth and carefully lift up your nance appliance. (The nance is what holds your upper teeth in place while they are being straightened.) He or she will then use an elevator, small plates with holes in them, or a combination of both to slowly take off each tooth. Your orthodontist may not give you a heads-up that he’s about to remove your braces; if it hurts, it’s normal for them to exclaim Oops! But that shouldn’t be too big of a problem since you won't be wearing braces for much longer!

Bring all required forms to every appointment.

Your orthodontist will send you home with a bag of floss, rubber bands, and other hardware that will help your teeth get into perfect alignment. Bring it all with you to every appointment; if your parents are going to bring you, they should make sure not to leave anything at home! Don’t leave valuables in your car or at school when coming in for an appointment—you don’t want someone breaking into your car or stealing something out of your locker.

Know what to expect when having braces removed

Some kids say they never really notice their braces, but that doesn’t mean they don’t affect you. Once your orthodontist tells you it’s time for braces removal, make sure you know what to expect from start to finish. Before coming in for your appointment, there are a few things you can do at home: Make sure your mouth is as clean as possible and remove any dental floss or appliances like retainers. This will make things easier during your treatment and help avoid more trouble later on. While getting braces removed may not be very fun—especially if you just got them put on—you can ease some of that discomfort by bringing in music or audio books, like Harry Potter or something else you enjoy listening to.