Posted on January 7, 2020
Although everyone deserves to have a perfect smile, this isn’t always the case. Psychological studies prove that most people tend to gauge people’s attractiveness based on how bright and straight their teeth are.
As technology continues to develop, many fields are tapping in and growing alongside it. The dental industry isn’t any different. With the development of metal, ceramic, clear and Invisalign braces, orthodontists are now able to help get your teeth to their proper position, thus helping you gain a perfectly aligned smile.
No, it isn’t a painful process to have your braces fitted onto your teeth for the first time. This takes anywhere between one and one and a half hours.
Orthodontists will put bands around your molars, and this may involve slight pressure and pinching, although it isn’t necessarily painful. They will then use a special type of glue to get the brackets in position, and while this glue might not have the best taste, this process doesn’t hurt.
Afterward, the specialist will use wires to attach the brackets together, and all that’s left to do is to secure the braces with elastic bands. In an hour or two, you may start experiencing soreness in your gums and teeth. This is because of the pressure the braces are already applying on your teeth. It may take a while for your gums and teeth to adapt to the pressure and for you to get used to having braces in your mouth.
During this time, it may be quite difficult to eat hard foods. Orthodontists recommend frozen yogurt, soft fruits like berries and bananas, cold drinks, mashed potatoes, and other foods with a soft texture since these don’t need much chewing.
Braces for adults and braces for kids correct misaligned teeth by applying constant, repetitive pressure on your teeth. As time passes by, your teeth slowly start to move into position, implying that the pressure the braces are exerting becomes less effective. You will have to visit an orthodontist’s office regularly to get them tightened.
Your orthodontic specialist will tighten the wires, springs, and elastic bands to get your braces snug and functional again. This process may cause temporary soreness and pain, but this discomfort won’t be as intense as it was when the braces were first installed.
All dental procedures may be a little invasive and uncomfortable, primarily when braces are involved. The light at the end of the tunnel, however, is the fact that eventually, you’ll get the straight teeth you’ve always been wishing for. Typically, getting your braces taken off isn’t painful.
After the orthodontists take your braces off, they then clean your teeth thoroughly. They may also need to take another x-ray scan to ensure that your bones and teeth have set as they were supposed to. Taking your braces off is usually quite a relief for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, remember that you will be provided with a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t retract into their original positions.
Generally, this type of pain can be treated using over-the-counter pain medications. Most people prefer using Tylenol, but Advil and Aleve are also a good choice since they can help reduce inflammation in the gums. Orthodontists usually provide a soft wax to line the inside of your cheeks. This protects you from the metal edges and reduces the odds of you getting any sores, cuts, and scrapes.
Remember that foods such as popcorn, gum, and hard candy can harm your braces; keep away from them.
