How To Get The Most Out Of Invisalign Treatment
January 26, 2023
There’s a reason why there are over six thousand orthodontist offices found in the United States. Whether you need braces for medical or cosmetic reasons, these professionals are here to help you. If you’ve been considering getting braces, you might be getting nervous about the process. You’re likely asking yourself: “How long does it take to get braces on? And is the process painful?”
If you want to discover the answers to these questions, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you can expect from the braces installation process.
What to Expect When Preparing for Braces
Before you get your new braces, you will first need to meet with your orthodontist. They’ll begin the braces appointment by asking you questions about your oral health.
This is to determine if you can be a candidate for braces. Next, they’ll perform a quick clinical exam. This will involve taking detailed X-rays to determine the extent of the work that needs to be completed.
Once this is over, the orthodontist will take dental impressions to prepare your braces. From there, they’ll walk you through whatever treatment plan is associated with your braces.
Different types of braces require different treatments, so this will depend on the type you get.
Do You Need to Be Young to Get Braces?
There’s a misconception that you need to be a teenager to get braces and orthodontic benefits. However, it’s important to remember that this simply isn’t true. One AARP study found that of the four million adults who wear braces, 25% of them are adults.
There’s nothing wrong with getting braces as an adult, especially if you couldn’t afford them as a child. If you feel self-conscious about the look of metal braces, there are options for you too.
For example, here at Central Virginia Orthodontics, we offer clear braces, clear aligners, and Invisalign. These are all fantastic, less-noticeable ways to align your smile. As such, discuss your options at an orthodontist appointment.
What to Expect From the Procedure
It’s important to remember that everyone’s teeth are different. As such, no one braces the installation process will be the same. That being said, most traditional procedures follow the same steps to getting braces.
First, your teeth will be cleaned and dried by dental hygienists. From there, dental-friendly adhesives will be applied to your teeth. This is so the orthodontist can attach the brackets to your teeth.
Once the brackets are secured, archwires will be placed between them. Lastly, elastic bands will be used to secure everything.
How Long Does It Take to Get Braces On?
Most braces installation procedures take between one to two hours to complete. Basically, the length of time it takes to watch most movies.
However, keep in mind that the procedure might be shorter or longer depending on the type of braces you’re getting installed.
If you want to know the specifics of how long it will take your orthodontist to finish with the braces, don’t be afraid to ask them.
Is It Painful?
Getting braces isn’t necessarily painful. However, it’s uncomfortable and unfamiliar. During the first day especially you’ll have an amount of pressure placed on your teeth that you’re not used to.
This can lead to a dull pain that lasts for two to three days. In addition to the soreness, there’s also the strange feeling of having brackets and wires in your mouth. You will get used to this.
But during the first week or two you might notice that you can’t stop running your tongue along the braces. In some cases, your braces might cause small cuts around your mouth.
If left untreated, these can develop into annoying canker sores. Try to keep the area clean if this happens as canker sores with braces can be quite miserable.
How to Deal With the Tender Times
When you get braces, and whenever you go in to get them tightened, you’re going to experience tender times. This will occur for two to three days after each procedure.
It involves some tender discomfort, headaches, and jaw aches. So, how do you deal with it? Over-the-counter pain medication is a good place to start. Products like Orajel are also good for numbing local areas.
We also recommend eating only soft food for the first few days after your braces. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, fish, mac and cheese, ice cream, and soft-cooked vegetables are all good options.
How Things Will Change After Braces
Some things will change once you have your braces attached. For starters, you’re going to notice your teeth begin to shift. It won’t be perceptible at first, but over time it will become more noticeable.
You’re going to need to change your brushing and flossing habits as well. Your orthodontist will walk you through how to approach your dental hygiene.
However, for the treatment to be successful it’s important to clean multiple times a day. It can also make things easier if you invest in tools like a water flosser.
Next, there are certain foods you need to avoid. Otherwise, they can get stuck in your brackets or damage them. This includes things like:
- Hard candy
- Popcorn
- Caramels
- Nuts
- Ice
- Gum
- Corn on the cob
So how long will you need to keep your braces on? That depends on a variety of factors. If you want to learn more about it, you can check out this guide here.
Ready for Braces? Contact Central Virginia Orthodontics
We hope this guide helped you answer the question, “How long does it take to get braces on?” As you can see, the process of getting your braces attached is relatively quick. And if you’re worried about the pain, don’t panic.
Braces tend to be more of a dull discomfort than a sharp pain. And waiting for you at the end of the journey is a great new smile!
Ready to get the braces you or your child deserve? Contact Central Virginia Orthodontics today to begin the process.