Did you know 20% of people who have braces are adults? Having a smile that you’re proud to flash in photos is going to be great for your self-esteem, but the idea of getting braces might seem scary.
If you’re an adult, it’s likely that none of your friends have braces at the moment, and the ones who had them as children may not remember the process well. How can you learn what to expect when you have no one to talk to about it?
We’re here to talk about the process of getting braces and what to expect both before and after. Read on to learn more.
Before Your Appointment
When you go to bozemansmiles.com to schedule your appointment with an orthodontist, you’ll start playing the waiting game. You might feel some anxiety or even self-doubt about whether or not braces are really for you.
Before your official appointment, it’s a good idea to go to a regular dentist appointment if you haven’t been to one in a while. You want to make sure that your teeth are in good condition before you get braces.
Otherwise, there’s nothing else that you need to do to prepare unless your orthodontist tells you otherwise. You may want to eat some of your favorite foods that aren’t braces-friendly, but you’re ready to go.
During Your Appointment
Your initial appointment may just be a consultation or your orthodontist may put your braces on then and there.
The orthodontist will take an X-ray of your teeth. After looking at the X-ray, they’ll talk to you about what they’d like to fix and discuss your options with you. You may talk about alternatives to traditional braces, like clear aligners.
If you choose clear aligners, you’ll have to wait for your orthodontist to send a scan of your jaw into the aligner company before you can start your treatment plan. If you choose braces, the orthodontist may place your brackets and wires right away.
Getting braces put on can take anywhere between 1 and 2 hours. You might be wondering: “Does getting braces hurt?”
The actual process of getting your braces put on will be uncomfortable, but it’s a small amount of pain for a brand new smile.
Adjusting To Your New Braces
Immediately after your appointment, you’ll likely experience some pain. The wires may cut into your cheeks, but your orthodontist can give you a special orthodontic wax to help mitigate the problem.
You may want to stick to simple and soft foods during your first few days of wearing braces.
Don’t be alarmed if you have a lisp at first. Your mouth is adjusting to a foreign object, and it’s likely that your lisp will go away in several weeks.
Finally, Getting Braces? Good Luck
Getting braces is a big deal! You’re going to experience a huge boost of confidence once your teeth are straight and healthy. Sure, the process is uncomfortable, but the results are worth it.
Make your appointment with a local orthodontist to start your braces journey today.
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