Preparing For Orthodontics

Kelly Orthodontics

It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive when you first consider going to an orthodontist. Whether your dentist has advised you to seek care from Kelly Orthodontics, or you’ve decided to do so on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial exam with Dr. Kelly.

The first thing you should do to prepare for your initial exam is to learn more about orthodontics and understand your options. Start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the different types of braces and how they may or may not work for you. With a few things in mind you can be totally confident and prepared for your initial exam.

Things to Know:

• Before getting braces, visit your family dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Visits to your dentist should continue at least every six months for the duration of orthodontic treatment. If you typically take an antibiotic before regular dental visits, make sure to notify our office. We will advise you if pre-medication is recommended before your appointment to place braces. In addition, let us know of any allergies you have.

• You won’t need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for the day your braces will be placed. The only thing we ask is that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.

• Braces are applied using a special adhesive that is applied to each tooth and the bracket is added on top of the adhesive. After all of the brackets have been placed and the adhesive has been cured, Dr. Kelly will thread the orthodontic wire through the slots in the brackets. At the end of the appointment, a team member will explain how to brush and floss with braces, review what foods to avoid, and what to do if you experience any difficulties with your braces.

• The time it takes to apply braces is approximately 90-120 minutes.

• You can expect some mild discomfort for the first few days after having your braces applied. This is temporary and can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. 

Naturally when looking into orthodontic care several questions will arise. Be sure to ask Dr. Kelly any questions you have as our team is here to help you.

If any other questions arise after your initial exam, don’t be afraid to ask. The Kelly Orthodontics team is here to help you throughout your entire process.

 

Adjusting to Your New Braces

Are you a new patient at Kelly Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. 

As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

• The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look.
  

• Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!
  

• Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix.
  

Initially your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear and will no longer be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation.

Some teeth, usually the front, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches to alleviate the tenderness.

Eating Habits

Please do not eat hard foods including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots, corn on the cob and popcorn. These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also beware of nail biting and pen or pencil chewing habits, since these can damage your braces. Do not eat sticky foods like taffy, caramels, bubble gum or sticky candy of any sort.

Check your braces once a week for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so that we can arrange an appointment long enough to repair it.

For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give our St. Charles office a call.