Summer is a very popular time to get braces. For school-aged children, summer break is a natural time to be able to squeeze in orthodontics appointments. As the leading orthodontist in Champaign, IL, Dr. Shafer wants you to understand what to expect when you get braces. This can help you prepare for the process of getting a brand new smile.
What to Expect At Your Appointment
When you meet with your Champaign IL orthodontist, you will receive a consultation and individualized treatment plan. You will then return for another visit to get your braces put on. In many cases, this takes place over the course of two appointments. The first visit involves the placement of spacers between the back molars, giving your orthodontist room to place the bands that go around your teeth.
The second appointment is when you actually get your full set of braces. Your orthodontist will condition the surface of your teeth before carefully placing the braces. The process of placing braces can involved minimal discomfort.
How to Adjust to New Braces
Getting braces requires a bit of adjustment. Perhaps the most noticeable thing is that braces feel weird at first! When you are not used to having anything on your teeth, the bumpy ridges of your braces may initially feel distracting. Don’t worry — your orthodontist is used to seeing people run their tongue over the front of their braces to see how they feel. After a day or two, this novelty will subside and braces will feel like the new normal.
One of the most common questions we get from our patients is “will it hurt?” The answer to this varies from individual to individual. In general, as your teeth begin to shift in the few days following your first braces appointment, you may feel some soreness in your mouth. You might also notice that the braces cause some discomfort as they rub against your cheeks or lips. Your soft tissues will naturally become stronger and resistant to this abrasion, but this may take a few days. In the meantime, be sure to ask your Champaign orthodontist about taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil.
The other major adjustment is in your diet. When wearing braces, it is important to avoid any foods that are hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy. For example, crunching into a carrot could cause damage to your braces. Particularly for the first few days, you should stick to a soft diet. Remember to practice good dental hygiene, being careful to floss between your braces to ensure no debris remains.
The duration of your orthodontics work depends on your personal health history and dental situation. When you visit our Champaign, IL orthodontics office, we can answer any questions you have about the process of getting braces. Our goal is to correct any dental concerns and help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our orthodontics office in Champaign, IL would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
About Shafer Smiles
Champaign, IL’s Favorite Orthodontist Specializing In Braces And Invisalign
Dr. Shafer, Champaign, IL’s favorite orthodontist offers a variety of braces and orthodontic solutions to give you the best smile ever. This includes traditional metal braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, clear braces, and Damon Smile braces.
Call 217-356-9595 today to schedule an appointment at our Champaign, IL orthodontics office. Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of with Shafer Smiles!