Getting braces is a big step! Whether you’re a teen, adult, or parent helping your child, preparing for orthodontic treatment can make the entire process smoother and more comfortable.
Before you commit to transforming your smile, here’s everything you need to know about what to do before braces, including essential steps and a few items you might want to grab for the road ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Proper preparation before getting braces helps ensure successful treatment.
- Good oral hygiene habits and a balanced diet are important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment.
- It’s a good idea to buy a few things before getting braces to set yourself up for success.
- It’s important to keep all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist to ensure timely progress.
- Wearing a retainer after braces is crucial for maintaining the results of treatment.
What to Expect When Getting Braces
Braces have come a long way in recent years. Treatment is now more comfortable and efficient than ever, thanks to modern advancements like shape-memory wires (yes, NASA uses similar technology!).
While braces will work wonders for your smile, they do require some preparation before your first appointment to ensure you’re ready for the change.
Why Preparation Matters
Preparing for braces gives you the chance to establish healthy habits, avoid common hurdles, and adjust to the upcoming lifestyle changes.
Think of it as laying the foundation for a stress-free orthodontic experience.
Benefits of Getting Organized
- Save time and headaches as you transition into wearing braces.
- Stay comfortable with the right tools and products on hand.
- Feel confident and informed about what the process involves.
Now, let’s break it all down into actionable steps.
Things to Do Before Getting Braces
Here are the things you need to do before getting braces:
Step 1. Schedule a Dental Checkup
Before your orthodontist places your braces, you’ll need to ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape.
Schedule a visit with your dentist or orthodontist for a cleaning and check for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or plaque buildup. It’s essential that your mouth is in its healthiest state before starting orthodontic treatment.
Step 2. Take Care of Any Dental Work
Got wisdom teeth, cavities, or other outstanding dental concerns? Now is the perfect time to address them.
Removing wisdom teeth or treating oral issues before you get braces will prevent complications during treatment and make the process much smoother.
Step 3. Decide on Your Braces
Your orthodontist will provide several options and recommend the best treatment for your needs.
Some common choices include:
- Traditional Metal Braces (durable and classic)
- Clear Ceramic Braces (more discreet and aesthetic)
- Clear Aligners (removable and virtually invisible)
Step 4. Stock Up on Essentials
Having the right supplies at home will make adjusting to braces easier. Here’s a list of things to buy before getting braces so you’re fully prepared:
- Orthodontic Wax to ease irritation from brackets and wires.
- Soft-Bristled Toothbrush to protect sensitive gums and tooth surfaces.
- Interdental Brushes for cleaning tight spaces around brackets.
- Floss Threaders to simplify flossing with wires in place.
- Mouth Rinse to keep your mouth clean and reduce sensitivity.
- Lip Balm to prevent chapped lips (you’ll thank us later!).
- Orthodontic-Friendly Foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few sensitive days.
Step 5. Adjust Your Eating Habits
Once your braces are on, certain foods will be off-limits to avoid damaging your brackets and wires.
Start practicing now by cutting back on sticky, chewy, or hard snacks like caramel, popcorn, and crunchy chips. Incorporating softer foods into your diet ahead of time prepares you for the post-braces adjustment period.
Step 6. Take Before Photos
This is your “before” moment! Snap a few photos of your current smile to document your orthodontic journey.
Seeing your progress once treatment begins is a great way to stay motivated and excited about your results.
Step 7. Ask Questions
Your orthodontist is there to guide you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions during your consultation.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
- What’s the estimated length of my treatment?
- How often will I need to come in for adjustments?
- What can I expect during the first few weeks with braces?
- Are there tips for managing discomfort or irritation?
Having a list of orthodontic FAQs before your appointment is always a good idea!
Focus on Building a Routine
Once your braces are in place, you’ll need to develop a dedicated oral hygiene routine.
Brushing and flossing become even more important during your treatment to keep plaque at bay and protect your gums and teeth from decay.
Create a Braces-Friendly Oral Care Routine
Start implementing good habits before your braces appointment so you’re ready to go:
- Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent food from accumulating around braces.
- Use fluoride toothpaste for added protection against cavities.
- Floss daily with floss threaders or water flossers to remove debris from hard-to-reach spots.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to maintain a clean, healthy mouth.
The Week Before Braces
A week or two before your braces appointment, plan to indulge in your favorite hard or sticky treats (think candy apples or chewy bagels) that will soon be off-limits.
Once you’ve treated yourself, focus on eating braces-friendly foods and getting excited to start your orthodontic transformation.
FAQ
Q: What should I buy before getting braces?
A: Before getting braces, it’s a good idea to stock up on soft foods such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. You may also want to purchase orthodontic wax, floss threaders, and an interdental brush for cleaning between brackets and wires.
Q: Will braces affect my daily routine?
A: While there may be some adjustments needed in your daily routine, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods and properly caring for your braces, most people are able to continue their normal activities with little disruption.
Q: How long will I need to wear braces?
A: The length of time you will need to wear braces varies depending on each individual case, but typically ranges from 12-24 months. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan and attend regular appointments for adjustments to ensure the best results in the shortest amount of time.
Q: Will I need to wear a retainer after my braces are removed?
A: Yes, it is essential to wear a retainer after your braces are removed to help maintain the new position of your teeth. Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions on how long and when to wear your retainer based on your individual case.
Q: When should you bring your child in to consider braces?
A: We recommend bringing your child into the orthodontist by age seven.
Welcome to Your New Smile Journey
Feeling a little nervous about getting braces is completely normal—but don’t worry, you’re in good hands! At Scaffidi Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, with expert care that promises a stunning, confident smile.
Our team would love to chat with you! If you’re still unsure about what to do before braces or what to expect during treatment, we invite you to book a free consultation with Dr. Scaffidi today. Together, we’ll ensure your smile transformation goes as smoothly as possible.
Start your orthodontic adventure prepared and ready. After all, your dream smile is worth every step!