Did you know that only about 35% of Americans are born with straight teeth? Canada has similar rates too! So if you find yourself or your child with imperfectly aligned teeth, don’t worry! You are not alone. Located in Liberty Village, Toronto Ontario, Portrait Dental will walk you through everything you need to know about the braces process
Keep reading to find out more about how to get braces.
The Braces Process
At first, the thought of getting and maintaining braces can seem overwhelming. It’s a frightening prospect: regular check-ups, maintenance, and necessary good habits. Knowing exactly what will happen when you go to the orthodontist to get braces will make the process easier. It’s important to understand that everyone has unique teeth placement and will have slight variations in their treatment. You also have options. While we’ll talk about braces in this article, talk to your orthodontist about options like Invisalign.
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Often the worst step is getting over dental anxiety. If you have trouble with dental anxiety, take a look at our article on overcoming it here. For now, though, let’s look at how to get braces!
How to Get Braces
A common misconception about braces is that they’re complicated. Once you’ve completed the following steps, the braces get to work. Braces use brackets and wires to gently apply pressure to the teeth. This moves them into the correct position. Fortunately, the process to get braces is actually quite simple. Here’s a quick look at the process:
1. The Braces Process Starts With a Referral
The first step to getting braces is a referral, usually from a dentist. If you’re concerned about your teeth though, you can always book your own appointment.
Click here to get started with Portrait Dental.
2. Consult with your orthodontist
Once you’ve got your referral, you will meet your orthodontist. They will examine your teeth and determine how the treatment should be applied. Usually, this will include an x-ray, and sometimes, they will take a mould of your teeth.
3. Place the braces
From this point, the orthodontist continues to design your treatment. Once it’s completed, you will return to the office to place the braces. This will happen over the course of a few appointments, as the process will leave you feeling sore. After cleaning, the initial placement of the braces is the longest of these appointments. First, the teeth must be cleaned, and then cement must be applied and dried. After the brackets are placed in, you will return to insert the wire that pulls your teeth into place.
4. Oral Care and Adjustments
The last step of getting braces is the regimen for care and the schedule for regular check-ups. When getting braces, it’s important to understand that your commitment to the process determines its success. If you don’t maintain good habits and regular check-ups, then you will endure costly and unpleasant experiences with imperfect results. Your orthodontist will talk about toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dietary restrictions and more as your oral health requires. Many patients find that getting braces is the motivation they need to take their oral health into their hands.
One of the tools your orthodontist might recommend is a water flosser. Check out our article on everything you need to know about water flossing here.
Are Braces Worth It?
One of the things your orthodontist will do when examining you is to assess your need for braces. While most people benefit from having straighter teeth, both in appearance and in health, for others, braces are a costly endeavour with little benefit. If you have slightly imperfect teeth, your orthodontist may talk to you about other techniques for managing your smile.
Still have questions? Check out this quick guide on the most frequently asked questions about how to get braces.
What are Braces? FAQ
Although braces were invented by Pierre Fauchard in 1728, there are many myths about them. Let’s take a look at the braces process quickly and simply:
Do I need braces?
If you haven’t had a referral from a dentist at your regular check-ups, you might not need braces. But, if you’re concerned, you can always book a consultation. Click here to get started with Portrait Dental and we’ll help you through the braces process.
Is it worth getting braces as an adult?
Many adults find themselves asking if braces are worth it as an adult. While this is a personal question, we can tell you that braces are still successful at any age. What is most important is the condition of your gums and teeth before applying the braces.
How long does the braces process take?
The average total time for braces is about 1 – 3 years. The initial appointment will likely take 1-2 hours. And the placement appointments will follow soon after, at the patient’s comfort.
Orthodontist vs Dentist
Both of these dental professionals help patients with their oral care, but each of them has specific jobs. In general, an orthodontist receives more dentistry schooling, and they focus on the alignment of teeth. Dentists on the other hand focus on tasks like cleaning, maintenance, and surgeries.
Takeaway: The Braces Process Is Made Easy By Portrait Dental
Remember that everyone’s braces process will be different, but the process for getting them is generally the same. During this time, make sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. And maintaining good oral hygiene habits never hurts! Braces aren’t a magic fix for oral health problems. To work properly, they require your commitment.
Having a smile that you’re proud to share can have lasting effects on your confidence. That’s why cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever. With advancements that have made procedures affordable and less invasive, you too can have a healthy-looking smile.
Give Portrait Dental a call today and start your journey to a set of teeth that matches your beauty, inside and out.