Getting ready for braces is a very simple matter of getting a routine dental check-up and scale and clean with your general dentist.
Through paying a visit to your dentist for a check up you are able to prepare yourself for orthodontic treatment, in getting a scale and clean your achieving two main goals:
Good dental foundations
Being braces ready ensures that you are beginning your orthodontic treatment with a clean bill of dental health with no holes in your teeth and healthy gums. Unrestored teeth can be unstable and gums which are inflamed can also affect the bonding and positioning of the braces to the teeth. It is ideal to have clean and healthy teeth and gums to ensure the best start to your orthodontic treatment.
Minimal dental interruptions
Sometimes there are unforeseen dental interruptions to orthodontic treatment, such as dental trauma, or previously undiagnosed general dental problems. If this happens, we make sure that we facilitate your general dental treatment in any way necessary and possible. Seeing your general dentist for a thorough check-up and clean can help to minimize the need for any interruption to your orthodontic treatment that can be avoided by early diagnosis and treatment.
At Simply Orthodontics, we only want the best for our patients so we encourage all our patients to be braces ready and would not endorse the commencement of treatment if there are pressing general dental issues that need to be resolved first. If you have any queries, feel free to ask your Orthodontist the next time you are in the practice.
So I think I am braces ready, but I’ve heard that getting braces on is really difficult?
The initial period after having braces fitted is often the most challenging for some patients as there is a lot for the patient to get used to. Both your mouth and tongue are not used to having braces on your teeth and you may find that some pain relief is in order. Sticky and hard foods may cause your braces to come off your teeth and you may take longer to clean your teeth. All these things contribute to the challenge in getting used to your new braces, but the good news is that this period will soon pass! Here are some ways you can relieve the discomfort.
6 ways of relieving the discomfort
- Soft foods for the first few days – eat softer foods that do not require much forceful chewing until you are more accustomed to eating with braces.
- Cold foods – The cold from the ice cream/icy pole/ice cube helps to numb your teeth a little, this can provide some relief. However, exercise some care if you find that your teeth are sensitive to cold to begin with.
- Distraction – doing something completely different can take your mind off the discomfort you feel. It’s a great time to try out that new gym around the corner you’ve been thinking about joining or get outdoors.
- Pain relief – This may help to take the edge off the discomfort while you carry on with your daily activities.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This provides a soothing effect and will treat any sores that may develop on the inside of your lips or cheeks due to the rubbing of the braces.
- Just like cold foods, chilled drinks such as icy cold water, juice, smoothies and slushies are good. However, beware the hidden sugars in drinks! Try to rinse your mouth out with water after you finish any sugary drink too.
Sometimes, the discomfort can be associated with rubbing of the brace or wire against the cheek – if this is the cause, orthodontic wax can act as a smooth buffer to relieve this. Orthodontic wax will be provided to you as required throughout your orthodontic treatment at Simply Orthodontics. It can also be found in chemists and supermarkets!
