During your recent dental appointment, your dentist told you that you are about to have braces. Although this is indeed a milestone, yet it can understandably be daunting. You might be thinking about how strange it would feel to have something metal in your mouth in addition to some stories about braces you’ve read about or heard of. Sure, the experience will be new to you, and it might give you mild anxiety just thinking about it, but keep in mind that knowledge is power! Instead of dwelling on the situations that could go wrong, all you need to do is prepare yourself well.
Steps to Take First
Before you get your braces, there are some things that need to be done first. For one, your teeth should thoroughly be cleaned by the dentist. Next, if there are teeth that need to be taken out or fixed, these will all be done before the braces are applied to your teeth. These steps are all vital because existing dental conditions may interfere with the dental treatment.
Moreover, your dentist may ask you to adjust your diet before you get your braces. This way, you will start to get used to not eating any gummy and sticky and tough foods. Also, don’t forget to take a before photo of your teeth, so when the treatment is over, you’ll see the difference!
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Aside from these physical preparations, you also need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Remember that wearing braces requires commitment. During the process, you need to ensure that you are responsible enough to go to the dentist every four to six weeks for a check-up. This is because regular check-ups will involve braces adjustment, which is essential to the success of the treatment. So, make sure that you are prepared to set aside time for this.
Another point that you need to keep in mind is that braces are not only for aesthetics purposes. Furthermore, expect that there will be some mild pain after the initial placement of the braces. There will also be some pain during brace adjustments, but it is tolerable. Your dentist may even give you some medications if the pain you have is unbearable.
Conclusion
These are points that you need to know before you get braces so that it will make the experience more bearable and comfortable for you. In fact, you don’t have to be scared about wearing braces because it is a beneficial step to take for your dental health because it will improve it and will even make your smile look even better.
Although braces may take years before it can be removed, depending on your condition, it will all be worth it in the end. Aside from this, remember that the first few weeks will also feel weird at first, but you’ll get used to it eventually, and it will become a part of your regular routines.
Preparing yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for a successful treatment plan. Your dentist will help you through the process and will be available to answer any questions you may have before the procedure. For this reason, don’t hesitate to ask and express your thoughts; the more the dentist knows how you feel about it, the better they can know what approach to take to make you feel more comfortable.
Trust our expert dentists in Ann Arbor to help remedy and dental situation you’re facing. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!