One way to smoothen the process of adjusting to your new braces, including teeth cleaning, is by being prepared. Whether you are having this orthodontic treatment as a child, teen, or adult, you can never take preparation out of the equation. So if you’re reading this article today, chances are, you’re due for braces in the following days or weeks.
With the guidelines we have carefully put together to prepare you for this life-changing decision, you won’t need to burden yourself with the uncertainties you may experience before or after your treatment.
What to Do Before Having Your Braces
Braces help you have a stunning smile, healthy bite, and straighter teeth. Undergoing this orthodontic procedure can be one of your life’s most momentous occasions. However, there are still a few things to do before celebrating.
Here are five preparation pointers to keep in mind when preparing for your braces.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
It’s okay to feel anxious before your braces appointment. Reading other people’s experiences from a patient’s point of view throughout and after the treatment can minimize lingering fears. Doing research beforehand gives you an idea about what to anticipate in your appointment and helps you better prepare yourself mentally.
When you book an application for braces, the dentist will check if there’s dental work that should be done first. This may include dental fillings and professional teeth cleaning. If you have cavities, emergency dentists can address your situation with a permanent or temporary tooth filling. To learn more about essential dentistry services, you may visit websites like https://platinumdentalgroup.com/.
2. Choose What Type of Braces You’ll Get
Although metal wire braces are the most widely known and conventional type, you can still consider other options. Some popular choices of braces you can choose from are:
Invisalign Aligners
Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are a great alternative to consider. These are made of transparent plastic materials tailored to fit your specific teeth. The good thing about this type of aligner is that it is removable, more easy to maintain, and clean. Since it is transparent, it’s hard to notice when someone is wearing it.
Self-Ligating Braces
This type of braces look similar to traditional metal wire braces. However, their main difference is that self-ligating braces generally utilize a permanently installed mechanism to hold the archwire in place instead of ligatures.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces function like standard braces. However, they go on the back surface of the teeth instead of the front. Folks who don’t want others to know they have braces usually opt for this choice.
3. Concentrate on the Benefits of Braces
If the idea of getting braces is frightening and scary, the benefits you’ll get after the treatment will surely motivate you. Not only will you have proper bites and straighter teeth, but you’ll also have beautiful smiles and an improved appearance. Concentrating on the benefits of braces will raise your self-confidence and keep you from getting reluctant or unsure about making your last decision.
4. Thoroughly Clean Your Teeth
The orthodontist needs a plaque-free tooth surface to allow the cement to adhere correctly. If you want to skip the professional cleaning before your application, clean your teeth gently and properly after your last meal before your appointment. However, the dentist will still decide whether a professional teeth cleaning will be necessary.
Are you looking for a dentist to keep your household’s teeth healthy? You may go to professionals that offer quality dental care for the entire family.
5. Stock Up on Soft Foods
Since the orthodontist will prohibit you from eating crunchy, chewy, or hard foods after the dental procedure, you can prepare by stocking on soft foods. Mashed potatoes, protein shakes, pudding, smoothies, and yogurt, are food choices you can stash and munch on for the first few weeks of using braces. If you want to eat veggies, try pureeing vegetable soup or adding spinach to your smoothies.
Conclusion
Braces require preparation and commitment on your part. However, the efforts you’ll devote before and after the treatment far surpass the benefits you’ll reap for years with a beautiful smile and optimum oral health. If you have any questions regarding braces maintenance, your orthodontist can answer them based on your unique situation.