Braces are a common orthodontic treatment designed to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, ultimately enhancing both oral health and the appearance of a smile. Understanding the process from beginning to end can help alleviate concerns. This guide outlines what to expect at each stage of the orthodontic journey, from initial placement to post-treatment care.
The Braces Placement Process
A straighter smile begins with an orthodontist consultation, where teeth are examined and treatment options discussed. X-rays and impressions are often taken to create a personalized treatment plan. Braces application typically involves several steps and is generally painless.
First, your teeth are cleaned and prepared to ensure a strong bond for the brackets. Dental cement is then applied to each tooth, followed by the placement of individual brackets. A high-intensity light sets the adhesive, securing the brackets firmly. Finally, a thin metal wire, known as an archwire, is threaded through the brackets, and small elastic ties or built-in mechanisms hold it in place. This entire process typically takes less than an hour.
Initial Adaptation and Daily Living
After the braces are placed, initial discomfort and soreness are common as your mouth adjusts to the new appliances. This pressure or tenderness usually begins a few hours after placement and can last for a few days to a week. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also feel sensitive or irritated as they adapt to the brackets and wires. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage this discomfort. Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets to create a smoother surface, reducing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Adjusting eating habits is an immediate consideration. For the first few days, sticking to soft foods is recommended, as your teeth and gums will be tender. Examples of suitable foods include mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soups, and pasta. Cutting food into smaller, bite-sized pieces can make chewing easier and reduce strain on the braces. While a temporary lisp or changes in speech might occur as your tongue adjusts, this typically subsides as you become accustomed to the braces.
Ongoing Care and Oral Hygiene
Maintaining diligent oral hygiene is important throughout treatment due to new areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate. Brush at least twice daily for two minutes, ideally after every meal and snack. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, angle the bristles at 45 degrees towards the gumline, cleaning above and below each bracket with gentle, circular motions.
Flossing with braces requires specialized tools because traditional floss is challenging to maneuver around wires. Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers can help guide floss under the archwire between each tooth. Interdental brushes are also effective for cleaning around brackets and wires. Water flossers can supplement brushing and traditional flossing, especially for reaching difficult areas. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and promote overall oral health.
Regular orthodontist adjustments are routine, typically scheduled every four to six weeks. During these appointments, the orthodontist will assess tooth movement and may tighten or replace the archwires to continue guiding the teeth into their desired positions. Some temporary soreness or pressure may follow these adjustments, similar to the initial discomfort, but it usually lessens within a few days.
Addressing Common Challenges
While braces are designed to be durable, minor issues can arise during treatment. A common concern is irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue from the brackets and wires, which can often be soothed with orthodontic wax. If a wire pokes, it may sometimes be gently pushed back into place with a pencil eraser, or covered with wax, before contacting the orthodontist for repair.
If a bracket comes loose or detaches, contact the orthodontist promptly for repair. Attempting to fix a broken bracket or wire at home is not advised, as it can cause further damage or injury. For more severe issues, such as significant pain, swelling, or damage that prevents comfortable eating, an immediate call to the orthodontist is recommended. Lost elastic bands or ties are minor issues; the orthodontist can advise on replacement or immediate visits.
Braces Removal and Post-Treatment Care
Braces removal is generally quick and painless. The orthodontist uses a specialized tool to gently remove each bracket. This typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. After the brackets are off, any remaining adhesive is removed and polished from the tooth surfaces, leaving them smooth. Some patients might experience temporary sensitivity as teeth adjust, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Following braces removal, retainers are important for maintaining the newly straightened smile. Teeth naturally shift back towards original positions; retainers prevent this relapse by stabilizing them while surrounding bone and tissues solidify.
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of the teeth, typically the lower front teeth, offering continuous support. Removable retainers, such as Hawley retainers or clear plastic retainers, can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
Consistent retainer wear, often for a lifetime, is important for long-term orthodontic stability. Continued good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups preserve your smile’s health and appearance.