Many of our patients are not sure what to expect when getting braces. We want to reassure you that it’s not as bad as you think: getting braces doesn’t have to be a painful or embarrassing experience. In fact, many people find that it’s actually quite liberating!

There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend braces.

Braces are an orthodontic treatment. They are used to move your teeth into the correct position. This is done to correct crowded teeth, crooked teeth, an overbite, or other incorrect bites. An orthodontist will only apply braces to adult teeth. For this reason, most orthodontic treatments only start between the ages of 8 and 14. However, it is not uncommon for adults to have orthodontic treatment too.

There are different types of braces, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

When you speak about orthodontic treatment, most people think of traditional braces. However, there have been many advancements in the field of orthodontics, and there are other options available to you in addition to metal braces.

If you need to wear braces, ask your orthodontist about the different options and which one is best for your needs.

One of the most common queries is whether braces hurt…

A week or two before your placement appointment (when the braces are fitted) you might be required to wear spacers or separators between your back teeth. This is done to create small spaces between the teeth so that your braces can be fitted quickly and easily. The spacers might initially cause some sensitivity and discomfort, but this usually resolves itself within a few days.

The two main parts of the braces are called brackets and wires. When these are initially put on your teeth, there is no pain at all. You might experience some tooth sensitivity or mild discomfort in the first few days after having braces put on. However, this should subside after your first week with braces.

In addition, you might experience some discomfort on your lips and cheeks for the first week or two. If so, you can place a small piece of orthodontic wax on the bracket that is causing some irritation. This is usually sufficient in removing any discomfort you might experience in the first couple of weeks.

After any orthodontic placement or adjustment, it is likely that you will experience some discomfort for four to seven days. This is because orthodontic treatment is designed to help your teeth move into the correct position. If this causes pain, over the counter medication is usually sufficient to provide pain relief.

Our team does their utmost to minimise any pain or discomfort. However, some discomfort it to be expected. Just remember that any pain or discomfort is because your teeth are moving into position to give you a beautiful smile!

You’ll need to take extra care of your teeth while you’re wearing braces, but it’s worth it in the end!

When thinking about what to expect when getting braces, most patients focus on queries relating to pain. However, it is important to realise that having braces means that you need to be very particular about your oral health.

Your orthodontist will explain the oral hygiene habits that are necessary for maintaining oral health while you have braces. Normal habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day remain just as important. However, you will need to learn how to brush and floss around your braces to ensure that your teeth and gums remain as clean and healthy as possible.

When you have braces, there are more places where food can get stuck between your teeth etc. In addition, it is more difficult to reach all the surfaces of your teeth when there are wires and brackets in the way. We will show you how to brush and floss properly to ensure that you are able to maintain good oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Your orthodontist will be able to answer any questions you have about getting braces.

Hopefully this article has helped your understand what to expect when getting braces. However, you might have additional questions or queries. When you make an appointment at Alexandra Hills Dental, please remember to raise any concerns or questions during your consultation. Our friendly team will be more that happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and understand exactly what to expect when getting braces.

It is important to remember that different patients require different types of orthodontic treatment. This is because patients present different problems or complications in terms of their teeth, gums, and jawbones. This is why we conduct a thorough dental examination – it allows us to develop custom orthodontic treatment plans that are tailored to each individual patient. This is how we ensure every client receives the best possible result.

We hope this has given you some insight into what to expect when getting braces. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!