Braces have been used for decades to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and promote oral health. If you are thinking about getting braces for yourself or your kid, it is reasonable to have concerns about what to expect before, during, and after treatment. This article will give you a simple strategy to help you get ready for the voyage ahead. Plus, you must contact your Morrisville orthodontist today to learn more details.
Possible challenges
Let us take a look at some of the potential repercussions of brushing and flossing being more difficult.
- Decalcification
If you have observed white patches around your brackets, this is an indication of decalcification, which is a typical condition among brace wearers. Decalcification begins when plaque accumulates on the enamel surrounding your brackets.
Bacteria in plaque create acids. These acids eat away at the minerals that make your enamel strong, including calcium and phosphorus. Erosion-prone areas of the enamel become weaker and discolored. Eventually, these weak points can lead to cavities.
- Cavities
Plaque that lingers around, whether near your brackets or any place on your teeth, creates the ideal circumstances for decay to occur. If left untreated, bacterial acids will continue to eat away at decalcified patches in your enamel. As erosion continues, these surface patches enlarge, deepen, and form cavities.
If you are experiencing difficulties with plaque buildup and brushing is not working, your dentist can help with a professional cleaning. Getting rid of plaque benefits both your enamel and your gums.
- Gum diseases
When plaque and tartar build near the gum line, they irritate the sensitive tissue. This inflammation results in gingivitis or early gum disease. And while serious gum disease is uncommon in young individuals, the discomfort, redness, bleeding, swelling, and poor breath produced by gingivitis are not desirable qualities!
Brushing and flossing are vital for keeping your enamel and gums plaque-free. However, because you must work around and between brackets and cables, brushing more frequently is no longer as simple as it once was.
What to expect during your treatment?
Braces are a painless operation that takes about 1-2 hours. During the session, your orthodontist will clean your teeth and apply bonding adhesive to their surfaces. Next, they will glue the brackets and feed the wires through them. Finally, they will use elastics or other attachments to guide your teeth into the proper position.
During braces treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustments and checkups. These consultations usually run 30 minutes to an hour and include tightening the wires, replacing the elastics, and tracking your progress. Your orthodontist may also take X-rays and make changes to your treatment plan as necessary.
Wearing braces can be uncomfortable, especially in the first few days following installation and modifications. You may feel soreness, pressure, or irritation in your mouth, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicines, orthodontic wax, or warm salt water rinses. It is also crucial to avoid meals that are hard, sticky, or chewy, as they might harm your braces. For more information, you should ask your orthodontist and get tips and suggestions catered to your specific case.
