Whether it’s you or your teen who’s bracing for braces in the new year, it’s important to have a game plan going into that initial visit with an orthodontist. Here are 20 ways to get ready for braces in 2020.
- Figure out what you want. Schedule an appointment with your Woodinville orthodontist to find out what kind of braces are right for you.
- Consider your options. You might be a good candidate for Invisalign and regular braces. Do your research. Make a list of pros and cons. Listen to the advice of your orthodontist.
- Ask questions. Your orthodontist wants you to feel comfortable about every aspect of your treatment. Ask every question you have before, during, and after braces.
- Research how braces are applied. Your orthodontist will explain everything to you, but reading about the way brackets and wires are bonded to your teeth can make the work easier to accept.
- Take a “before” selfie. Maybe you don’t love your crooked teeth now, but you’ll love comparing your “before” selfie to your “after” selfie when the time comes so smile big and say cheese.
- Clear your schedule. You will need to see your orthodontist about once a month if you wear conventional braces and about every six weeks for Invisalign check-ups.
- Get your cleaning tools. Stock up on the special tools to get in and around that tiny hardware on metal braces.
- Get used to rinsing. Start rinsing your mouth with water after meals to get in the habit so you can do this bare minimum when you don’t have the time or opportunity to brush and floss after eating.
- Stock up on wax. Orthodontic wax can help relieve any irritation that braces can cause to your cheeks, lips, and gums.
- Pack a supply bag. Have your toothbrush, floss, and orthodontic wax at the ready wherever you go.
- Keep your cases handy. If you’ll be an Invisalign patient, always have your aligner cases on hand so they can be safely stored when you remove them to have a meal.
- Nix the sticky, crunchy, chewy foods. Be prepared to eliminate the foods that threaten to do damage to your brackets and wires. If you get Invisalign, no worries – just remove the aligners and continue to eat what you love!
- Be prepared for discomfort. Once your braces are in place, they’ll go straight to work, which means you will have some soreness after each adjustment or change of aligners.
- Have soft foods at the ready. Soft foods like pudding, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt are great for post-adjustments when your teeth are sensitive.
- Choose your color palette. Braces are fun! Rubber bands come in all colors so think about all the ways and combos you can use to let your personality shine.
- Accept the reality. Braces are worn for a few years and Invisalign is worn for a year on average. You’re committing to a certain way of life for a while – best to accept the reality and learn to adjust.
- Think positive. If your kid (or you) is feeling down about their orthodontic future, remember the benefits. It’s only a little bit of discomfort for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
- Save money. Braces are an investment, so talk to your orthodontist about payment options, insurance, health savings plans, and other payment methods.
- Be patient. Braces are a lifestyle change and they will take some getting used to. The result is worth it.
- Choose the right orthodontist. Select the orthodontist you feel most comfortable with, and consider the benefits of having a provider who is conveniently located or experienced in certain types of orthodontia.
Ready to make 2020 the Year of the Braces? Schedule your consultation with Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, Washington, to find out what’s right for you or your teen and get on the road to a straight, strong, healthy, beautiful smile.