Getting Braces? Understand How The Process Works
Posted on: 24 August 2019
Are you going to be getting braces to correct the placement of your teeth? If so, you likely have questions about how the entire process works. It is a good idea to have an overview of the procedure so that you know what to expect when visiting your dentist.
Teeth Preparation
The process will start by preparing your teeth so that they are clean before any brackets are applied to them. Your dentist will give them a professional polishing, just as if you visited for your semi-annual cleaning and inspection. This will ensure that there is nothing bad on the surface of the teeth that will get trapped underneath the brackets.
Bracket Application
A material known as tooth etch gel is brushed onto the tooth in the general area of where the bracket will go, and then rinsed off the teeth. This allows an adhesive to stick to the teeth right after. The dentist will carefully place a bracket onto each tooth. Precise adjustments are made to the brackets to ensure that they are in the correct place. Once in position, the excessive adhesive is scraped off the teeth. A special light is used to help the adhesive dry immediately on the teeth, securing the brackets in their final positions.
Wire Application
A wire is then threaded through the brackets so that they are all attached together. Elastic bands are used to hold the wire on your teeth and pull it tight. The dentist will curl the wire to prevent it from catching onto other parts of your mouth.
After Care
Expect the braces to feel uncomfortable for the first few days following the installation. You will want to preemptively take a pain reliever to deal with the pain, and stick to eating soft foods while you make an adjustment to wearing braces.
It is important to give your teeth some extra attention when brushing every day. Position your toothbrush at 45 degrees so that you are getting the top and bottom sides of the brackets. You'll also need a special floss threader to clean between your teeth in the parts underneath the wire.
Plan to have dental wax on hand to help with irritation. If brackets are bothering you and cutting your inner cheek, you can place the dental wax directly on the bracket to help it feel smoother and allow your mouth to heal.
Speak to a dentist like David W Hyten DMD for more information on getting orthodontic services.
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