Orthodontist – Preparing Yourself For Braces

If you have made the decision to correct your smile with the help of an orthodontist, you may want to prepare for the potential length of the process. A great smile is not something that is gained overnight, so be ready to have to wear braces for a while to get the best possible results. Professionals in this field try very hard to provide patients with the best outcome they can, but an orthodontist will require that you are as committed to treatment as they are. Here are some tips on how to get ready for receiving various treatments from an orthodontic clinic.

The duration needed for braces can last anywhere from several months to a few years. If you have not made your final decision yet, you may want to get an estimated length of treatment from a professional during a preliminary consultation. Ask how long it will take and if your dental correction will require a lot of work or not. The choice is yours, but keep in mind that a beautiful smile is a quality investment and can be well worth the wait.

You should be aware that you may need more than one appointment at the clinic before your braces are actually installed. Early visits will be comprised of taking x-rays, as a subsequent consultation may involve an assistant making a mold of your mouth. This will be created so an orthodontist will know the best course of action to take in ideally shaping your teeth.

In addition, be prepared for the requirement of wearing a retainer or even having certain teeth pulled before wires and brackets can be attached. Sometimes your dental alignment needs to be tweaked before you can receive further treatment. Just know that the path to straightening your pearly whites can require several steps and some time so be open to the needs of your physician.

When your braces are on your teeth, they will probably feel somewhat strange for a day or two afterward. Your practitioner will provide you with dental wax to soften any edges that your mouth will need to adjust to, though the installation of wires and brackets will be done to be as comfortable as possible for the wearer.

As your smile is being formed into an ideal, expect having to go in for progress check ups every 4 to 6 weeks or so. This will allow your physician to monitor how well your teeth are adjusting and, depending on your headway, may even allow for a decrease in the amount of time the brackets will need to be worn.

Be sure to brush your teeth often and floss properly so as to keep your wires and brackets clean and working correctly. Knowing what to expect will prepare you in the long run for how to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment. Listen to your practitioner and keep an open mind to the amount of time that may be required for you to achieve the perfect smile of your dreams.