Here are some frequently asked questions about braces:-
What are Braces?
Braces are dental appliances used to correct bite and teeth alignment anomalies. They consist of metal, plastic, or ceramic brackets that attach to each tooth.
How do Braces Work?
Brackets work by shifting the teeth gradually into the desired position. The brackets are attached to the tooth and interlinked with an archwire. Over time they exert constant pressure on the periodontal ligaments, the tissue supporting the teeth.
Do Braces Hurt?
Most people will experience discomfort when an orthodontist fits braces on the teeth. The sensations do not start immediately, but after a few hours of wearing the braces, when brackets and archwire start to exert pressure on your gums.
In the first week, you can expect gum soreness and scrapes on the inside of the cheeks. You will experience less soreness as you get used to the braces.
What Care Should Be Taken After Braces?
Food debris can lodge onto the wires and damage the brackets. Plaque and tartar can coat the teeth, leading to tooth decay. Therefore, brush your teeth after eating a meal or snacking. Also, floss at least once. Avoid sticky and hard foods to reduce the risk of damaging the brackets.
How Long After Braces Can I Eat?
Our orthodontist will advise you to stick to softer foods in the first few days. You may gradually incorporate harder foods into your diet as the treatment progresses. However, you must avoid sticky and sugary foods throughout the recovery period.
How Painful Is Getting Braces On?
There is virtually no discomfort during the braces procedure. The bracket attachments do not cause pain when applied to the teeth. Soreness and sensitivity only occur in some patients hours or days after the procedure.
What Happens on the First Day of Braces?
There is hardly any soreness or pain on the first day after braces. Some people may experience a dull ache over their teeth and gums when the sedation wears off.
What Can I Eat on the First Day of Braces?
The teeth are a little sensitive on your first day wearing braces or even the first several days. Therefore, stick with soft foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables, and thin soups.
What Should I Expect the First Week of Getting Braces?
Patients usually experience mild discomfort four days to a week after your appointment. You may feel like your teeth are sticking out. But patients have varying experiences during recovery.
Can I Sleep With Braces?
Yes, you can sleep with braces since you need to wear them throughout the day to shift the teeth into position. Some discomfort may occur when you are sleeping when pressure is exerted on the side of your cheeks.
Can Braces Cause Anxiety?
Teens are afraid of being teased by their peers for wearing braces. Some patients may experience dental anxiety about undergoing the procedure. Our orthodontics team will ensure your comfort and address your concerns before fitting braces.
Do Lips Get Bigger After Braces?
No. Braces will not make your lips bigger. There is no reason why the fullness and contour of your lips will change. However, when the teeth shift position, you may notice changes in the appearance of your lips and smile.
Do Lips Look Smaller after Braces?
Your lips might appear smaller after braces treatment. The change may happen when the teeth move. But the teeth only shift by a few millimeters, making any changes difficult to notice.
Can Braces Give You Pimples?
Braces do not cause skin problems like acne. However, some patients may react to the metal in the braces, which may cause pimples.
Do Braces Affect Kissing?
Braces do not affect kissing since the brackets are placed on the teeth. Therefore, braces shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a kiss.
Can Braces Make You Lose Weight?
No. The purpose of braces is to correct teeth and bite alignment. Some patients may notice a difference in weight due to dietary changes during recovery.
What are the Benefits of Getting Braces?
Braces are designed to correct teeth alignment problems, which makes it easier to clean teeth. They change the appearance of your teeth, boosting your self-esteem. Additionally, braces stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone erosion and improve your speech by adjusting the position of your teeth.
What Are the Downsides of Braces?
Braces require a thorough dental hygiene regimen to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The brackets and wires can trap food debris, causing oral health issues.
How to Stop Braces Pain Immediately?
You can stop braces pain immediately by taking pain-relief medication. If the pain is mild, use an ice pack or rinse your mouth using warm, salty water.
Is Invisalign® Cheaper than Braces?
Invisalign® braces are usually more expensive than conventional metal braces. Despite the cost, some patients prefer the inconspicuous clear plastic braces.
Will My Lips Go Back to Normal After Braces?
You’ll notice hardly any changes on your lips when your teeth shift. Any difference you detect will remain the same after the procedure.
How Long Does the Glue on Braces Last?
The adhesive is designed to last between one and three years. The glue may break down due to other factors.
Why do Teeth Get Yellow with Braces?
Teeth may get yellow if you don’t follow a strict dental hygiene regime. Your orthodontist will advise you on how to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Can I Chew My Braces?
You should not chew braces as the habit can damage the brackets and wires.
Why Does It Hurt After Getting Braces?
There is usually mild soreness for some patients after the braces procedure. It is caused by teeth shifting into position.
Is It Okay to Sleep with Wax on Your Braces?
It is advisable to sleep with the wax on to avoid sores on the inside of the cheeks. Such injuries typically happen when you are asleep.
Does Your Voice Change After Getting Braces?
Your voice does not change after the braces procedure. But correcting teeth alignment can affect the pronunciation of words and improve speech.
Can You Eat Pizza with Braces?
You can eat pizza with braces, provided there are no toppings that are sticky or hard to chew.
Can I Eat Popcorn with Braces?
It is wise to avoid popcorn after getting braces. Varieties like caramel popcorn have sticky ingredients that can damage the brackets.
Can You Get an MRI with Braces?
You can get an MRI with any braces. The metal in the brackets does not affect the magnetic resonance imaging process.
Can You Eat Boba with Braces?
It is okay to eat Boba with braces, but ensure the Boba Pearls are of the soft variety. Also, clean your teeth after taking snacks.
Can You Eat Chips With Braces?
You can enjoy chips as long as they are soft and not crunchy. Baked chips and puff fries are the safest options.
What Candy Can You Eat With Braces?
It is best to avoid candy altogether, as most of them are crunchy and sticky. But you can eat chocolate as long as it doesn’t have nuts. Peanut butter cups and soft cookies are other safe options.
Thats it!
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