Common Questions About Braces
If you or your child has crooked teeth then you have probably thought about having braces put on. They are the most known method for straightening teeth, but they are not the only option for most people. If you are seriously thinking about whether or not you should see about braces, then you have probably had a lot of different questions cross your mind. You can learn the answers to a lot of the more commonly asked questions here:
How bad do braces hurt?
Each person will have their own experiences with regards to braces and this includes the extent to which they hurt and for how long they hurt. Generally, a person's gums will be quite tender after getting braces due to the teeth being forcefully pulled in specific directions. The irritation usually won't last longer than a few days or so. However, every time a person goes in to have them tightened the gums can be irritated again. There can also be some pain from the sharper parts of the braces irritating the insides of the cheeks and lips, as well as the surface of the tongue.
What can be done to protect your mouth from cuts caused by braces?
The dentist will send you, or your child, home with orthodontic wax to help protect the inside of the mouth from cuts caused by the braces. The wax should be rolled around with the fingers and thumb to create a soft and small ball. Then, it should be gently pushed onto the part of the braces causing irritation. Don't push too hard or the braces will simply poke through it and it won't help. More of this wax can be purchased at most pharmacies when needed.
Are there ways to make braces less noticeable?
Yes, you actually have a lot of options available to you or your child when it comes to making the braces less noticeable. You can have clear or white bands and brackets used on them to help make them less noticeable. You can also have lingual braces put on where the brackets and bands are in back of the teeth. However, you do want to understand that lingual braces are more uncomfortable and irritating than regular ones.
Do clear aligners work like braces?
Yes, clear aligners are appliances that you put in each day that are designed to put pressure on the teeth that need to move. They are much more comfortable than braces, but they do take longer to get the desired results.
For more tips about adult or adolescent orthodontics options, talk with your dentist.
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