Posted on September 13, 2021
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. They come in many different forms, including metal braces and gold braces.
Listed below are some of the most important things you need to know before getting metal braces for yourself or a family member. Once you have gone through this list and feel comfortable about getting them, it may be time to make an appointment with a local orthodontist.
Many different factors affect the price of metal braces. The most obvious is the severity of your problem. Other factors that affect the price are the kind of metal braces you decide on and how long you’ll be wearing them.
Metal braces consist of brackets and wires that are often made of nickel-free stainless steel or titanium. Some patients do react to metal, but this is rare. Stainless steel is much lighter than other metals, so it may not cause as much pain when first being adjusted to your teeth.
However, if you’re worried about pain during adjustment, then titanium may be a better choice for you because it’s also very strong and durable while remaining lightweight.
If you don’t take very good care of your braces and/or teeth, then you may experience quite a bit of soreness in the beginning stages before your braces start getting used to their new home around your mouth. Cleaning them every night with toothpaste is the best way to avoid any infections and pain. You can also use orthodontic wax for any spots where the brackets rub against the inside of your cheeks.
Braces are require extra attention to detail when it comes to oral hygiene. Make sure that you brush them after every meal to keep food particles from building up around the brackets and causing plaque which will result in tooth decay. Avoid sticky foods such as caramel that may get stuck between your teeth and braces because it’s hard to remove once hardened.
If you already have a habit of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw at night, you must get this fixed before you get braces because it will be amplified tenfold when they go on. Have your dentist check your teeth and jaw during an orthodontic consultation to determine if this is a problem or not. If so, make sure that you practice good habits at night by learning how to relax your tongue and speaking against the roof of your mouth.
Depending on what kind of treatment plan you choose (i.e., metal braces or gold braces), it can take anywhere from a couple of months up to a few years to complete treatment. For most people, however, it can take between 6 months to 2 years.
The most important thing to remember when wearing braces is to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. The brackets and wires can get dirty very quickly, so if you want them to last for their full length of time on your mouth, make sure that you are diligent with your cleaning routine. Avoid sticky foods such as caramel because they may harden between the brackets.
After getting your braces on and adjusted to the right size, you will need to visit your orthodontist for adjustments and check-ins.
A free braces consultation can help to answer any specific question you have in regards to orthodontic treatment. Give SmileyVille a call today to get started!
