Wearing braces has become quite a common thing as currently around 4 million Americans are wearing them. The problem of crooked teeth and a smile you’re not proud of is a common one. Braces are a very effective way of fixing this issue.
In order to be sure whether or not you truly need to wear them, you should talk to your orthodontist. In case you do need braces, they will also tell you what kind is best suited for you and how long you will be required to wear them. Many are reluctant to put them on, but you should know that they are extremely efficient and, as Tom Cruise and Danny Glover showed us, they can also look cute.
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Braces aren’t just for kids
Even though it’s best to wear them while you’re young, there isn’t a rule saying you can’t wear braces during adulthood. Many are doing just that in order to avoid implanting veneers or crowns to make their smile more appealing. It’s completely normal for adults to wear braces so don’t hesitate just because you’re over the age of 12.
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You’ll need to take good care of your braces
Even without braces, we should be careful how we brush our teeth. With braces, however, things change a bit. There are often specific toothbrushes and techniques you should use when brushing your teeth as wire and bands can get it the way of your regular brushing. Of course, your orthodontist will let you know all about it. Flossing may become a bit of a challenge, but you can switch to flossing threaders or water flossers. Also, Exeter Orthodontics which offer services in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania says that you are required to wear thin aligners once you take off your braces in order to keep your teeth in the same, healthy position.
There are certain limitations to what you can eat
I think this is the biggest ordeal of all. Once you’ve put on your braces, you won’t be able to eat anything that can get stuck in your braces or break the wires. That means that you should avoid eating nuts, sticky and hard candy, and you should be careful while eating meat from the bone. Try switching to nut butter and ground seeds, but avoid hard and sticky candy completely.
It’s going to hurt
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There really is no way to sugarcoat this. From the moment you put your braces on, they will be pulling your teeth in the correct position. This will cause your teeth to hurt a bit and you might also experience headaches. It’s not pleasant, but the pain will subside with time. You can always try to minimize the pain with some pain killers. The worst pain usually goes away a couple of days after putting the braces on. You can feel discomfort and pressure, so try to clear your schedule, stay at home and enjoy some ice cream while watching your favorite show.
There is no rule saying how long you will have to wear your braces
It all depends on the condition of your teeth. While some have to wear them for around a year, others might have to keep them on for a couple of years. The orthodontist will be able to tell you this after a detailed examination.
