Okay, so you need braces.
Don’t panic! Life with braces
isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it
doesn’t have to be all that different than life was before braces. As a Hanover
orthodontics practice, we here at James River Orthodontics have
seen plenty of braces wearers, so we know what we are talking about. The key to making the most of your life with
braces here in Hanover is to educate yourself so that you know how to handle
your appliance.
What are braces?
Braces are an appliance that is placed on your teeth to move
them into an ideal position. Braces can
be used to correct a variety of dental problems, including crowding, gaps, and
improper bite. Sometimes they are used
to correct problems that are purely aesthetic; other times, they correct a problem
that can negatively impact your health.
Pain is not Normal
Our Hanover braces patients often note
that their teeth and gums feel a little sore right after the appliance is
placed and sometimes after adjustments are made. This is completely normal, so don’t panic
when it happens. Instead, be prepared
with some over-the-counter pain reliever on hand and know that the pain will
fade soon. However, genuine pain is not
a normal part of braces treatment. If
you experience pain greater than a slight soreness, contact the office.
Brushing and Flossing
Once your braces are on, you will need to learn a new way to
brush and floss. Your Hanover
orthodontist will teach you how to do this before you go home. It is incredibly important to be careful with
your dental hygiene while wearing braces.
Any problems with your teeth can compromise treatment and braces are
great at causing stains when you do not care for them well.
Changing your Diet
This biggest adjustment you will need to make is to your
diet. There are many foods that will be
off-limits throughout your treatment.
Sticky, hard, and crunchy foods are at the top of the list, which might
include some of your favorite foods.
Just remember that braces are temporary, but the smile they give you
will be forever.