Everyone has their own unique orthodontic journey, but to live with braces is a universal experience for each patient. There are plenty of feelings to share, experiences that are similar, and passages of time that will pass similarly for everyone with brackets and wires. Here is what to expect at the start of wearing braces and how to cope with the tougher stuff while enjoying the journey.
You will look different.
Of course you will look different with braces! You have brackets and wires on your teeth and, if you so choose, a colorful set of elastics holding everything together. That’s hard to hide – and you shouldn’t have to. Deep down, you are yourself, and braces are a small chunk of time that impact your appearance – ultimately, they lead to an even better look. The sooner you embrace that you are living with metal mouth or clear braces or even Invisalign, the sooner you’ll get used to looking a little different.
Braces will sometimes annoy you.
You have a special event to go to, photos to be in, a speech to give – anything that requires plenty of smiling and speaking will draw attention to your teeth. Wearing braces for teens, quite often, is a state of mind. It’s important to remember the goal – to create a fully aligned, strong, healthy smile. All the inconveniences that come with the choice to live with braces can be overcome when you focus on the positive.
Your smile will align quickly.
Teeth are on the move right away but there is still plenty of work to be done. The great thing about braces is that the early days almost always show quick results – but orthodontists recommend that patients view this as motivation to stick with the plan all the way through. Your teeth still need to move completely, above and below the gumline, and stay there permanently with the help of a nightly retainer.
Dental wax will be your best friend.
There will be moments of discomfort when you have braces, especially at the start of your treatment and immediately following an adjustment. There are times though, too, when the brackets and wires will misbehave and cut into the soft tissues of your mouth. When this happens, make sure dental wax is handy. Pushing wax onto an offending bracket delivers instant relief until lips or cheeks build up calluses to ward off the discomfort.
There will be pain.
Every adjustment involves a tightening of hardware, an exchange of elastics, and corrections that you may not have anticipated. Soreness is inevitable. Soft foods are necessary for a few days until the pain starts to disappear. Chewing harder foods will be unpleasant so stick with the comfort stuff and you’ll make it through.
Are you ready to live with braces?
Talk to Dr. Soleil in Woodinville, WA, to learn about the many facets of living with braces, looking different with braces, and the goal you’re working toward to get an amazing smile. Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if this is the right time for you and your teeth to make a transformation.
