There are a number of reasons why people decide to have braces fitted, from aligning the jaw to fixing overcrowding in the mouth- but the most common reason is all to do with how we look. People with straight, white teeth are not only be perceived to be more attractive, but also happier, healthier and more intelligent. In fact, one study found that almost one-third of Americans say that teeth are the first aspect of someone’s face that they will typically notice.
It isn’t surprising that as braces become more easily accessible, people of all ages are choosing to take a trip to the orthodontics. If braces are something that you’ve been considering for yourself, then read on to find out what to expect when you have braces fitted.
What Type of Braces are Available?
There are three common types of braces available, with Invisalign being the most popular. This type of brace is clear, meaning that it’s not noticeable when you are wearing it. You can also remove your Invisalign when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
Another brace option is a metal brace, which you may be most familiar with. These braces have been used by orthodontists like Orthodontics Sydney to straighten teeth for decades. They’re fixed, which means that you can’t take them out whenever you please.
Lingual braces are fixed, and completely invisible, as they’re placed on the inside of your teeth. There’s a good chance that you won’t have ever seen these braces before- on the account that you can’t see them! They’re a great option for if you want completely invisible braces, though one thing to consider is that the cost of these is considerably higher.
How Long Will it Take?
Depending on the type of braces you decide on, a fitting can usually take one to two hours. Other factors which influence the length of fitting time include how much work needs to be done on your teeth and whether you’ll need more than one appointment.
Will I Feel Any Pain?
Having your braces fitted isn’t usually a procedure which involves pain. You might feel a slight pressure and discomfort as the braces are being put on, but this is completely normal and will pass quickly.
Will I Need Bands or Wires?
Once again, this depends on what type of braces you will be getting. For clear alignment trays such as Invisalign, you won’t need bands or wires, however you will still need to have an impression of your teeth made prior to your fitting.
Can I Eat Normally Afterwards?
It’s fine to eat normally after getting braces, but if your mouth is feeling sore, you may wish to eat softer foods such as pasta and mashed potatoes for the first week after your fitting, until your mouth adapts to your braces.
How Can I Manage Any Irritation?
It’s normal for your mouth to feel irritated after getting braces, and this is something which will become less of a problem over time. In the meantime, to help soothe your mouth you can gargle with saltwater or use wax to fight any sores in your mouth.
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