About to Get Braces? These are the Top Things You Should Be Doing Before You Get Them

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Since you’re reading this article, we’re assuming that you are planning to get braces or already are in the middle of doing so. And while your mind may be flooded with a lot of questions, you have the choice to either reach out to our experts with our next-level online live or asynchronous video consultation or thoroughly read this blog post. Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions patients have and at the same time listed the top things you should be doing before you get your braces. This will not only help you feel prepared but also ensure the best results for yourself as well as your smile. So, without further ado, let’s look at the points we’ll be covering:
  • Preparing for Braces – Healthy teeth and gums ensures a healthy start
  • Should You Get Cavities Filled Before Getting Braces?
  • How Long Will it Take To Put Braces on Your Teeth?
  • Does Getting Braces on Hurt?
  • What Should You Do the Day Your Braces Get Fixed?
  • Can You Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting Braces?
Let’s touch on each of these questions one at a time.

Preparing for Braces – Enjoy These Food Items Before Getting Your Braces On

Before getting braces, it is important that your teeth and gums are healthy. To ensure this, you need to be under the care of a dentist to check for cavities, look at your gums, and clean your teeth. Click HERE to schedule a virtual consultation with our expert orthodontists if you need help finding a dentist near you. Also, it is important to maintain your dental health daily by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day so that your teeth, as well as gums, are in the best condition at your consultation and for the day you get your braces. If you are wondering what foods you will need to avoid and won’t be able to eat when you have braces, here’s a list:
  • Hard-to-chew Bread
  • Chewy Foods like Gummy Bears & Taffy
  • Crunchy Items Like Hard Pretzels
  • Sugary Foods
  • Sticky Food
  • Hard Food Like Whole Apples & Raw Carrots (unless they are cut or chopped)
Throughout the course of your treatment you’ll either have to limit or stop eating these foods to avoid the risk of breaking your wires or brackets. When you finally have your braces on, learn more about the items you can and cannot eat throughout the treatment duration by reading our “Safe Eating with Braces: Foods to Eat & Foods to Avoid” guide.

Should You Get Cavities Filled Before Getting Braces?

You absolutely need to have cavities filled and the teeth in the best health possible before you start orthodontic treatment. Getting teeth straight can be stressful to the teeth and gums and if they are healthy there is less discomfort during your treatment. And if you are dealing with cavities, we’d advise you to reach out to us and we’d like nothing more than to assist you.

How Long Will it Take To Put Braces on Your Teeth?

It takes around 45-60 minutes to fix the braces to your teeth and place the wires. There is additional time spent teaching you how to care for your braces and keeping your teeth clean. You will also download our app that you will use for virtual and remote visits during your treatment and for communicating directly with us.

Does Getting Braces on Hurt?

No – getting your braces won’t hurt. Some people have discomfort when first getting used to the braces or when the braces are tightened. If there is any discomfort it is usually in the beginning and Tylenol will alleviate the problem. However, the movement is so light and our technology so advanced that once you are used to having the braces the process of getting straight teeth is pretty much stress free.

What Should You Do the Day Your Braces Get Placed?

To make sure that appointment goes smoothly, we’d advise you to do this before your braces are put on.
  • Clean your teeth – To fit your braces efficiently and make the process a whole lot smoother, your orthodontist needs a plaque-free surface. Hence, it’s advisable to clean your teeth thoroughly the day of your appointment – prior to getting your braces on.
  • Prepare Yourself Emotionally – If the thought of getting braces is making you feel nervous or afraid, don’t worry – it’s a common feeling. We understand – which is why we have dedicated processes and structure in place for a streamlined beginning-to-end process. If you are feeling confused or nervous, connect with one of our experts and they would love nothing more than to guide you throughout the process.
  • Click a Before Selfie – You need to do this. We insist. After getting your braces off, you’d love to post a “Before & After” picture across your social media channels.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting Braces?

Most people whiten their teeth after the braces are off, rather than doing it before. That’s because if you whiten them before and then place the braces, the benefit of the bleaching is somewhat obscured by the placement of the metal or tooth colored braces. It doesn’t hurt anything, however, if you do want to bleach ahead of getting your braces placed. Be sure to have the bleaching completed at least a month ahead of time to avoid any interference with the ability of the braces to adhere to your teeth. It’s not good to bleach your teeth once the braces are on. This results in uneven bleaching of the tooth surface and uneven enamel color. If you are interested in whitening your teeth we’d advise you to connect with your orthodontist – who’d love nothing more than to share their valuable opinion and chart a course that leads to the best results.

Take the Next Big Step with Our Award-Winning Orthodontists by Your Side!

Our team is highly experienced and talented and we’re making the process extremely smooth, comfortable, and stress-free for our patients and their family members. From your initial visit in-office or online consultation to the conclusion of the treatment, we’d love nothing more than to ensure your experience is exciting and comfortable one. Whether you reside in Howard County, or not, and are looking to get braces, allow us to deliver a pleasant, convenient, and affordable experience. Schedule an online consultation with our award-winning orthodontists today – Also, if you’d love to know more, don’t forget to explore our blog section:
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