Over the years, millions of people have received treatment with braces to close gaps between their teeth, correct their bite, and improve their smile. Despite how standard the therapy is, one of the most common questions we still hear at Reddick Orthodontics in Melbourne, FL, is, “What’s it like?” It’s natural to want to know what to expect when your Melbourne orthodontist attaches your braces. It is a big “adjustment,” after all. Here’s a closer look at what to expect when you wear your braces.

Preparing for Braces

Some steps may be needed before your braces can be attached. You should get a checkup with your dentist first and a teeth cleaning. If you have cavities, they should receive fillings before you get braces. Patients with gum disease may need to work with a periodontist to clear the condition up before braces. These conditions are much more challenging after your braces are attached.

The Actual Procedure

Getting braces is a painless procedure that takes 1 to 2 hours for most people. Your Melbourne orthodontist will clean the surface of the teeth and apply dental bonding glue to the center of each one. The glue doesn’t taste very good, but it is non-toxic. A metal or ceramic bracket is then glued on each tooth.

Metal bands will be placed around your back molars to anchor the braces. The metal band should be the correct size for your tooth, but if you feel a pinching sensation during this part, let your orthodontist know. The band might need additional adjustment.

Once the brackets and the bands are in place, the doctor will thread the archwire through them. A small rubber band is wrapped around each bracket to hold the wire in place. This is the fun part of the process for many kids because they get to pick the color of the rubber bands to personalize their braces. The doctor then cuts the ends of the archwire off so it doesn’t touch the gums in the back of the mouth.

Adjusting the Braces

Every patient needs to adjust their braces as they go through the process. Patients average 18 to 24 months of treatment with braces before they can be removed entirely. Most people will tell you that braces are painless, but you will feel some pressure as they work to shift your teeth into their new positions gradually.

While undergoing treatment, you must come in for a checkup every 6 to 10 weeks. Your orthodontist will check the progress of your teeth and might need to take X-rays. The braces will also be adjusted to continue applying gradual pressure to the teeth. These checkups and adjustments usually take 30 minutes to an hour.

Managing Discomfort with Braces

It’s natural to feel some discomfort with an orthodontic appliance attached to your teeth. It takes a few days to get accustomed to having the brackets and wires touching the inside of your cheeks. It’s common to try to touch the brackets with your tongue, but we recommend against it; this can scrape your tongue and cause unnecessary discomfort.

To manage any discomfort, follow the instructions that your orthodontic team provides. Stick to soft foods for the first few days until you’re accustomed to the pressure on your teeth. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help lessen discomfort. Warm salt water rinses will also help reduce any inflammation. After every adjustment, managing your braces in less time will be easier.

A New Oral Hygiene Routine

Another thing you can expect when you get your braces on is spending more time on oral hygiene. Once the braces are in the way, it will take longer to brush and floss your teeth. You’ll need to learn some new techniques for brushing hard-to-reach spots and threading the floss under the archwire. We can provide you with tips and tools to make this easier.

If you think you or your child would be a good candidate for braces, Contact Us at Reddick Orthodontics in Melbourne, FL, to schedule an appointment and consultation.