Orthodontic braces are a safe, pain-free method of straightening your teeth.
Although they perform a crucial role in ensuring long-term oral health, braces often get a bad reputation. Has your dentist or orthodontist recommended that you get braces? Are you hesitant to commit to the treatment because you are worried that braces cause pain and discomfort? Read on to learn more about what to expect from braces, including the different steps of the process…
Why should I consider getting braces?
Braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment used to straighten crooked teeth and, more importantly, to correct any abnormalities in the bite. Professionally aligning your teeth has many benefits, from enhanced oral hygiene (straighter teeth are easier to clean) to improved tooth health in the long term (as a straight bite leads to fewer ‘friction points’ in the mouth).
Braces are usually recommended in early adolescence, soon after adult teeth emerge, as they are most effective when teeth and bones are still developing. However, there is no reason why adults can’t get braces: orthodontic braces serve the same function and provide the same benefits in adults as in adolescents.
What is the process of getting braces put on?
Braces are dental appliances that consist of three basic parts: brackets, bands, and wires. The brackets (the silver or tooth-coloured squares) are attached to the front surface of the teeth, while the wires and bands are placed in the slots of the brackets, providing a gentle force which will encourage movement of the teeth into precise alignment.
The actual process of placing braces on the teeth is not painful at all. However, it is normal to feel some mild soreness and discomfort in the few days following the fitment of braces. This increased feeling of pressure and sensitivity will clear up four days to a week following the fitment of your braces.
What does wearing braces feel like?
It is perhaps most accurate to think of the experience of wearing braces as long periods of total normality, with occasional bouts of discomfort. These bouts of discomfort usually follow your return visits to the orthodontist, who will need to check up on your alignment progress and adjust your braces periodically.
The level of discomfort caused by these adjustments can vary from patient to patient, but these bouts are always short-lived. The discomfort tends to be worse after braces have been tightened: this is temporary sensitivity caused by the increased pressure of the braces on your teeth.
How long will I wear braces?
Every patient’s journey is different, but in, general, braces stay in place for one to three years.
When it is time for the braces to come off, the orthodontist will remove the brackets, bands, and wires, before thoroughly cleaning your teeth to remove any residual glue. This process can be uncomfortable, but it will be accomplished in one sitting. And, remember, you will be leaving the orthodontist’s office with a brand-new smile for your troubles!
To complete the braces procedure, in some cases, the orthodontist will fit the patient for a retainer. This is usually a removable device that gently helps to keep teeth in their new positions after the braces have been removed.
How can we help?
South East Orthodontics is committed to providing you with a straight, healthy-looking smile. When it comes to dental braces, the team at South East Orthodontics has extensive experience of the SureSmile orthodontic treatment system. SureSmile applies a modern approach to orthodontics, using computer technology and robotic machinery to fabricate a treatment plan that will improve the appearance and function of your smile. For more information, please read more here.
The South East Orthodontics staff will provide you with clinical excellence by using the latest orthodontic developments and techniques. We believe that straight, healthy-looking smiles can be achieved at any age. To book an appointment, please contact us here.
At South East Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of treatments that are suitable for all ages. Our philosophy is to listen carefully to your needs, and to provide you with a personalised treatment plan to ensure long-lasting dental health. For more information about our comprehensive range of dental services, please consult our website.