Here’s What You Need to Know about Braces

Denver adult braces patient

Regardless of your age or dental history, it’s not unusual to have questions or even feel a bit anxious after learning that you need braces. But at Advanced Orthodontic Care, Dr. Robert Rudman strives to provide our patients in the Denver metropolitan area with as much information as they need to feel confident and secure in their upcoming treatment.

Why Consider Braces?

Crooked and misaligned teeth can impact a patient’s ability to eat and speak, not to mention their self-confidence. In the long-term, crowded teeth also can contribute to severe oral care challenges. So while the idea of wearing braces may be unnerving, living with misaligned teeth could cause much more severe discomfort down the road.

Braces may not be the newest teeth straightening strategy on the market, but they are among the most effective orthodontic treatments, especially for patients such as adolescents or teenagers, whose mouth and jaw bones and muscles are still maturing.

It’s also worth noting that today’s braces are smaller and less intrusive than those worn in the past.

The best way to prepare for braces is to know what to expect, and to learn how to properly care for your teeth and gums during your braces treatment.

What to Expect After Getting Braces

Ceramic braces for adults in Stapleton and Denver

Generally, being fitted for braces will not be uncomfortable at first, but in the immediate days or weeks, you will likely feel some mouth and jaw soreness as well as new pressure sensations as your teeth begin to adjust.

Generally, the aching that patients with new braces experience is easily treated with an over-the-counter painkiller.

Depending on the orientation of your teeth to your gums, your new braces may also cause some tissue sensitivity inside your mouth as well as around your lips.

You may also need to get used to eating with braces, and most especially to caring for your braces after you eat.

But it should not take more than a week or two for your mouth and gums to adjust to your new braces. Most patients report that after a month or two, they are barely aware of their braces as they go about their lives.

Brushing your teeth during your braces treatment may take more time and attention to detail than the oral care routine to which you grew accustomed before wearing braces. While it’s fine to brush with the same type of toothbrush, you may find that your braces cause more wear and tear on the bristles.

With braces, it’s also wise to brush more frequently, and most especially after meals, to prevent food and bacteria from building up between your teeth and the orthodontic hardware. But remember to use gentle, light pressure to protect your enamel.

Flossing also may require more diligence than you were used to before you had braces. We’ll show you how to use a floss threader, which weaves the floss between the teeth and below the arch wire.

We’re Here to Help

Whatever concerns you have about adjusting to life with braces, Dr. Rudman and the staff at Advanced Orthodontic Care are committed to answering your questions and providing you with the tools and information you need to successfully complete your treatment and experience the freedom of a bright, gorgeous, corrected smile. So we urge you to bring us your questions, and to keep in touch with our office throughout your treatment.

When you’re ready to talk with Dr. Rudman about how braces can change your life for the better, please call 303-331-0222 to schedule your consultation at the Denver office of Advanced Orthodontic Care.

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