Your Guide To Braces
At Hodnett Orthodontics, we strive to provide the most effective, stress-free braces treatment. We offer this guide to share answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about braces.
What Types Of Foods Should I Avoid?
Anyone who has ever had braces knows that you have to be more careful what you eat when you have them. Hard and crunchy foods can damage brackets and wires, but some sticky and gooey foods can also be a problem. Caramel, chewing gum, and gummy candies can all get stuck in braces, making them hard to clean and causing tooth decay.
Plaque can also form from sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, so it’s best to drink less of these as well. Obviously, the best way to avoid problems with your braces is to brush and floss your teeth every day. But if you watch what you eat, you can help keep your braces clean and maintain a healthy smile.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment can be different for each person, depending on what they need. In general, though, most people will wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. The exact length of treatment will depend on how severe the patient’s orthodontic problems are and how quickly their teeth are developing.
Some people may only need to wear braces for a shorter time if they respond well to treatment and their teeth move into place quickly. In other cases, a patient’s treatment may need to be lengthened if they have more complicated problems that require more time to correct. At the end of the day, the goal is to give each patient the personalized care they need to get a healthy, beautiful smile.
Do Braces Hurt?
Anyone who has ever worn braces knows how uncomfortable they can be at first. The good news is that the discomfort is only temporary! You should feel more at ease once your mouth adjusts to the pressure and feeling of the appliances. And as your treatment progresses, you’ll probably notice that the pain lessens even more. Of course, some discomfort may occur after certain appointments, such as when your braces are first applied or tightened. However, braces are not meant to be painful, and most patients adjust quickly.
Do I Still Need To Visit My Dentist Regularly?
Even if you have braces, it is critical to see your dentist on a regular basis. While braces are very effective at straightening teeth, they can also trap food and plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can clean your teeth thoroughly and give you advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. So, even if you have braces, make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups!
How Do I Care For My Braces?
The goal of getting braces is to make your mouth and teeth healthier overall and to give you a beautiful, confident smile. But if you don’t take care of your teeth while you have braces, they can easily get stains, cavities, and gum problems that can cause problems later in life. This is why it’s important to take the following steps to care for your braces.
Brush & floss twice a day, using a floss threader or water flosser to reach tough spots.
Rinse with mouthwash. This will help to remove food particles and prevent cavities.
Be careful when playing sports or participating in other activities that could result in an injury to your mouth. Be sure to ask Dr. Hodnett about mouthguards if you’re involved in sports.
