One way to smoothen the process of adjusting to your new braces is by being prepared. Whether you’re having this orthodontic treatment as a child, teenager, or adult, you can never take preparation out of the equation. So if you’re reading this blog post today, chances are, you’re due for braces in the following days or weeks.
With the guidelines we’ve carefully put together to prepare you for this life-changing decision, you won’t have to burden yourself with the uncertainties you might encounter before and after your treatment.
What to Do Before Having Your Braces
Braces help you have a confident 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 you celebrate.
Here are five preparation tips to keep in mind when getting ready for your braces.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
It’s okay to feel nervous before your braces appointment. Reading other people’s experiences from a patient’s point of view during and after the treatment can alleviate any 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 appointment for your braces, the dentist will see if there is dental work that needs to be done first. This may include dental fillings and professional teeth cleaning. You may check websites like https://platinumdentalgroup.com/platinum-dental-sea-girt/ to learn more about common dental procedures.
2. Choose What Type of Braces You’ll Get
Although metal wire braces are the most widely known and traditional type, you can still consider other options. Some popular choices of braces you can choose from are:
Clear Aligners
Clear teeth aligners like Invisalign are an excellent alternative to consider. These are made of transparent plastic materials tailored to fit your specific teeth. The good thing about Invisalign aligners is that they’re removable and easy to clean and maintain. Since it’s transparent, it’s difficult 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 similarly to traditional braces. However, they go on the back surface of the teeth instead of the front. People who don’t want others to know they have braces usually opt for this choice.
3. Concentrate on the Benefits of Braces
If the thought of getting braces is scary and frightening, the benefits you’ll get after the procedure will surely motivate you. Not only will you have straighter teeth and proper bites, but you’ll also have confident smiles and an improved appearance. Focusing on the benefits of braces will raise your 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 properly. If you want to skip the professional clean before your application, ensure you clean your teeth gently and properly after your last meal before heading to your appointment. However, the dentist in New Jersey will still decide whether a professional teeth cleaning will be necessary.
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 up on soft foods. Protein shakes, mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, and smoothies are food options you can stash and munch on for the first few weeks of wearing braces. If you want to eat veggies, try pureeing vegetable soup or adding spinach to your smoothies.
Conclusion
Braces require preparation and huge commitment on your part. However, the efforts you’ll dedicate 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.
