Pre Braces;
-Prior to getting braces you may have a couple appointments before hand to work out treatment plans.
-No matter what treatment you may possibly need before braces you will require x-rays and impressions - x-rays do not hurt whatsoever; impressions (or moulds) feel uncomfortable and can make you gag however you just have to remember to stay calm and breathe!
-Possible things you may need depending on your teeth situation before getting braces is spacers, an expander, teeth extractions and more but your orthodontist will explain this!
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Getting your braces on;
-Getting your braces on is both an exciting and nervous time.
-The whole getting your braces on experience is not very painful, they will most likely start by sticking all the brackets on with the special glue, to dry the glue they use a light but this process does not hurt at all.
-Finally, they add a wire, and rubber bands which you can pick the colour of; sometimes when adding the wire it may poke into your cheek but they try to cut it to size as quick as possible! Make sure to check it really well with your tongue afterwards to make sure it isn't poking in any spots!
-Now you will feel pressure, and eating will hurt and it does take a lot of getting used to; you can take medicine for the pain if need, i personally did not find the pain horrendous but i do have a relatively high pain tolerance, it is mainly just a lot of pressure as your teeth are moving!
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Getting adjustments;
-You will have to get a check up and potentially a wire change at certain times; how often you get these done completely depends on your orthodontist!
-Your orthodontist will check your progress and how your teeth are moving.
-These adjustments involve removing the rubber bands and wire and replacing it with a new potentially thicker wire.
-After adjustments your teeth will probably feel sore again but at least for me it didn't last as long as originally getting them on!
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Getting them off;
-Your orthodontist will know when it is time to get your braces off; remember to be patient! Some people get them off quickly, others it takes longer.
-Getting them off involves popping the brackets off your teeth using a special tool, there is some pressure involved however it is not painful.
-The orthodontist will then clean your teeth as you will have all the glue remains on your teeth still! Cleaning isn't too bad either some parts of the teeth are definitely more painful the others but nothing major.
-You will then have to have impressions and x-rays again so your progress can be tracked and retainers can be made.
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After braces;
-After braces, you will need retainers to keep your teeth in place; once again these are very individual to your own treatment; it is very important you wear them as recommended!
