What Is It Like to Have Braces?

If your teeth have to be corrected or your jaw needs to be realigned, braces may be your best option. You'd be astonished at how much thought goes into them. Before beginning therapy, it is essential to educate oneself about braces. Charleston Orthodontics offers an orthodontist in South Carolina who can explain the long-term technique, but the list below will get you started.

Treatment Length

Braces are not a panacea. You will be needed to wear them for an average of six months to three years after they are fitted on your teeth. It all depends on the amount of straightening necessary. It would help if you visited your orthodontist every four to eight weeks to have them readjusted.

Because you will be fitted with a retainer, you will need to see your orthodontist again after your teeth have been straightened and your braces have been removed. A retainer is a device that keeps your teeth from moving back to their original place.

Pain Intensity

While you may be terrified of braces due to the tightness they may create or the fact that they are composed of metal and wires, braces are typically not uncomfortable. When you initially acquire them, there is some discomfort, but that goes away with time. You may be given wax or gel to protect your gums and lips from stinging.

Brushing and Flossing Techniques

Brush your teeth after each meal since food can become lodged in your braces rapidly. Allowing it to accumulate might lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Food that becomes trapped between your braces might be harmful. Flossing is more complex, but it can still be done with a water pick once a day.

Patterns of Eating

Certain meals should be avoided or avoided entirely when wearing braces. This is due to the fact that some foods might become entangled in the wires and become difficult to remove. Others may use excessive force, causing the wires and brackets on your braces to break. Soft or simple-to-chew meals are ideal for eating when wearing braces. If you must consume apples or carrots, cut them into extremely little pieces first.

Sporting Occasions

If you wear braces, you may assume that sports are out of the question. Of course, extreme caution is essential while engaging in physical contact, but this does not exclude you from having fun. All you'll need is a personalized mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. Based on the form of your teeth, an orthodontist will design one for you.

You can continue wearing a mouthguard after your braces are removed. It, together with a retainer, can keep your teeth from slipping back into their normal position. Furthermore, wearing one at night may keep you from grinding your teeth, a condition known as bruxism.

How to Select the Best Orthodontist

When the time comes to get braces, conduct your research on orthodontists in your area to choose one that is a good fit for you. You may need to consult with their office during this therapy. Charleston Orthodontics, which has locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and Summerville, SC, would gladly answer any questions you have concerning braces.

They provide a 5-star experience for their patients at every session by utilizing cutting-edge technology like as iTero scanning to create molds for aligners and 3D printing for retainers. Because they understand how hectic their patients' lives are, they even provide virtual appointment choices!

Everyone who gets braces will have concerns. Therefore it is critical that your orthodontist can allay your fears and address those inquiries. By putting your confidence in Charleston Orthodontics, you know you'll get the correct help to put your mind at ease. Please don't put off treatment any longer, and get in touch with their clinic as soon as possible.