Getting braces is an exciting time in a person’s life. No matter what age you are, it’s never too late to take control of your oral health and obtain the smile of your dreams.
While receiving orthodontic treatment is no doubt beneficial, it is also a big commitment. It takes both money and time; so, to make sure that your dental journey is indeed effective, it’s important that you take care of your teeth and gums along the way.
For more information about braces in Orlando, get in touch with our local dental practice today!
The Purpose of Braces
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on straightening your teeth, correcting bite patterns, and relieving pressure from your jaw.
Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (which are installed on the inside of your teeth,) and clear aligner therapy are some of the most common ways to repair your smile. The average orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 to 18 months. Your braces exert a consistent force on your teeth, which stimulates bone movement; this is how your teeth shift into a healthier position over time. In turn, this eliminates the potential for your teeth be become broken and for an infection to occur.
If you’re looking to learn more about this avenue of treatment, speak with an orthodontist near you. They’ll be able to identify which type of braces is best for your unique dental case.
Receiving Braces
Coming in to receive braces from an orthodontist in Orlando requires multiple appointments.
During your initial visit, your orthodontists will begin by evaluating your mouth and taking several x-rays. This allows them to establish a comprehensive picture of your oral health and determine the extent of care that you will need. Impressions will be taken and sent to the dental lab to help fabricate your braces.
Once your braces or trays are ready, you’ll return to receive them. Your dentist will ensure that everything is in order before letting you go. In about four to six weeks, you’ll come back for your routine checkup so your progress can be monitored.
Don’t hesitate to let your orthodontist know if you have any questions or concerns.
Caring For Your Braces
Taking care of your braces is crucial; not only will it make sure that your treatment goes smoothly, but it will also save you time, worry, and money down the road.
Outlined below are some simple measures you can take to keep your braces in good condition:
- Be mindful of what you’re eating.
Foods that are too crunchy can be painful to eat, especially when you first receive your braces or have them adjust. They can also cause damage to your braces and wires. In addition, sticky foods can easily get caught in your braces and can be hard to remove.
- Wear a mouth guard.
Ah, mouth guards. Whether you play a high-contact or leisurely sport, or you have a habit of grinding your teeth, a mouth guard protects your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, and yes, your braces, from sustaining damage.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
There’s a reason why fluoride is given to you during your dental cleaning: because it helps prevent cavities from forming. Naturally, having braces makes it difficult to brush and floss as well as we normally would. So, rinsing with a fluoride-based mouthwash will help keep your mouth clean and reach the places that you can’t.
- Brush and floss regularly.
Though you can get away with brushing and flossing twice a day, it’s recommended that you do so after each meal. This removes food debris, and tartar from your teeth and gums, keeps your breath fresh, and helps your smile shine.
Now, a lot of people wonder if there’s a special toothbrush and toothpaste that you need to use when you have braces. The answer? It depends.
You can use a manual or an electric toothbrush. Neither one is necessarily better than the other, but the smaller your brush is, the simpler it will be to get around your braces and arch wires. As for the toothpaste, there is no specific type of toothpaste that you need to use. Toothpaste with fluoride is especially good, but it’s not strictly necessary either. In the end, it comes down to your preferences and any advice given to you by your orthodontist.
Do you have questions or concerns about receiving braces near you? At All About Smiles, we’re here to help. Our friendly staff will walk you through the treatment, so you know what to expect. Pop over to our website or call us to book a consultation today!
