It’s never too late to decide to get a perfect smile. Even adults should look into ways to improve the look of their teeth. This means that many adults are starting to go for braces. Many people didn’t have the opportunity to correct their teeth when they were younger. Now that they’re adults they want to feel more confident about their appearance.
Braces can align crooked teeth, close gaps, and improve one’s overall smile. The downside is that braces are still considered ugly and uncomfortable. With recent innovations such as Invisalign, this doesn’t need to be the case. In this article, we will go over what to expect when you get braces as an adult.
1 – The preparation phase
Before getting braces, the first step is an initial consultation with an orthodontist, such as Edwards and Garrett Orthodontics. This visit is important as it helps to come up with a strategy for your teeth. There are several types of braces, and this step is essential to settle on the ones that will work best for you.
They will also talk about the length of treatment and what you can expect during the process. This is a good time to ask any questions you might have about the treatment. During this evaluation, they might find some problems with your teeth that need to be addressed. Before they can apply braces, they will need to fix any cavities or other issues.
Braces can be quite expensive, so finances will need to be discussed during the preparation phase. It can cost in the thousands of dollars so knowing this ahead of time will help you manage your finances.
2 – Living with braces
When you first get Invisalign it is going to feel uncomfortable. Your teeth are starting to move as the braces force them. This means that there is going to be some pressure and slight pain. You’ll need to make a few changes in your life when you first get Invisalign. It’s a good idea to start with softer foods and gradually return to your normal diet as you become more comfortable.
Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage your braces and should be avoided. This includes things like caramel, nuts, and hard candies. It’s also wise to cut down on sugary foods and drinks, as they can increase the risk of tooth decay.
3 – When the braces come off
After the braces come off, aftercare is critical to maintain the results. This usually involves wearing retainers. Retainers help to keep your teeth in their new position. For a while after the braces come off, you might need to wear them all the time. Eventually, you’ll only need them at night.
Once the retainer is no longer needed, your teeth should be straight and healthy. It’s up to you to make sure that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep them that way. For many, it’s a worthwhile investment to have a nice smile and healthier teeth.
