If you’re getting braces soon, you may be experiencing some nervousness or apprehension. You also probably have some questions about the installation process. Keep reading to get answers to five different questions you may have about getting braces and learn what you can expect from your braces installation appointment.
#1. How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?
Before getting your braces on, you may want to eat some of the things you should avoid with braces, like hard candy, gum, or popcorn. You’ll likely have your braces on for at least a year, so have some fun while you can! Just make sure you brush and floss after eating anything sugary or sticky.
You’ll also want to stock up on braces-friendly food you can eat if your mouth is sore. Soft foods such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, soft-cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, soft fruit, yogurt, smoothies, and pasta are all good options.
In the weeks leading up to your appointment, you should take special care of your teeth. You don’t want any bacteria or plaque to get trapped underneath your braces. Give them one last thorough cleaning right before your appointment to help the whole process go smoother.
You may want to take some over-the-counter pain medication prior to your appointment to help prevent any soreness.
#2. What Kinds of Braces Are There?
The braces installation process can vary based on which type of braces you choose. At Pobanz Orthodontics, we offer three types of braces:
- Traditional braces: These braces use metal brackets, which are adhered to the front of the teeth, along with a wire and rubber ties. These braces are effective, but modern innovations have made other types of braces more comfortable and less intrusive.
- Damon braces: Unlike traditional braces, which create a straight line, Damon braces move the teeth into a curved position, which looks more natural. These braces are available in metal or ceramic.
- Pitts 21 braces: These are the least conspicuous type of braces because the brackets are smaller and are placed close to the gum line. Instead of utilizing rubber ties to affix the wire to the brackets, the wire is threaded through the brackets. This makes orthodontic appointments quick and easy and can even reduce the amount of time patients will need to have their braces on.
#3. How Are Braces Installed?
If your back teeth are too close together, about a week before installing your braces, your orthodontist may put rubber bands or spacers between your teeth to create room for bands around your back teeth. These spacers are not permanent and will come out once your braces are installed.
Once there is sufficient space between your back teeth, it’s time to get your braces! Your orthodontist will start with thoroughly cleaning and drying your teeth to ensure nothing gets trapped underneath the brackets.
Next, your orthodontist will glue the brackets onto your teeth and cure it with a blue light. After that, they will slide a metal band around your back molar to anchor the braces. You may feel some pinching or pressure during this process as the orthodontist adjusts the size of the band.
The final step in the braces installation process is attaching the archwires. For traditional or Damon braces, the orthodontist attaches the wire to the brackets using small rubber bands; however, for Pitts 21 braces, no rubber bands are necessary.
#4. How Long Will It Take?
The amount of time it will take for your orthodontist to install your braces varies depending on the type of braces, but on average, you can expect it to take one to two hours. Your orthodontist can provide you with a more specific timeframe.
#5. Will I Feel Any Pain?
You shouldn’t feel any sharp pain during the braces installation process, but you will probably feel some soreness as your mouth gets used to the braces. There are many ways to alleviate the soreness, including medication, oral anesthetics, orthodontic wax, ice, and even a saltwater rinse.
The soreness should only last a few days after installation or adjustment. If the pain lasts longer than that or is too intense, talk to your orthodontist to find a solution.
Get Your Braces at Pobanz Orthodontics
If you’re ready for braces, come to Pobanz Orthodontics! Our professional team has the experience and expertise needed to help you achieve your orthodontic goals. Schedule an appointment today to get started or contact us with any questions.
