Getting braces is the beginning of a new stage of life, so a consultation with your orthodontist can easily make you both excited and nervous. Your orthodontist understands, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
If you want to feel prepared to go into orthodontic treatment, here are a few things you may want to clear up at your first appointment.
What Style is Best for Me?
As you may be aware, orthodontics involves a little bit more than wires and brackets. Traditional braces are incredibly useful, and are used often in modern orthodontics to deal with the most severe cases of misalignment.
However, Invisalign clear aligners have also become very popular, producing beautiful results comparable to braces. These aligners are removable, making them easier to clean and removing dietary restrictions.
The exact style of orthodontic treatment best for you depends on your unique situation, so it’s a good idea to establish what kind of treatment could be necessary at your first appointment.
Will Treatment Be Uncomfortable?
One of the biggest concerns that patients have when it comes to any kind of dental work is a fear that the treatment will be uncomfortable. When people first get either braces or Invisalign, it’s common for people to experience soreness while the teeth adjust.
However, it’s also the case that this tenderness fades fairly quickly once you get into the swing of things. Pretty soon, you’re likely to forget that there’s anything on your teeth at all. Until then, make use of over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any discomfort you’re feeling.
How Should I Adjust?
Whether you’re getting braces or Invisalign, having something on your teeth is going to take some getting used to. Your orthodontist can run you through some of the things to expect when it comes to cleaning or dietary restrictions.
You will also be seeing your orthodontists fairly often once treatment begins, either for tightenings or to get your new aligner.
About the Author
Dr. James Hart has been straightening people’s smiles since 1978, and in all that time he’s made his patients’ happiness the core of his practice. Dr. Hart graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, where he received the Student Award from the American Association of Periodontology. To continue his education, he is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and a Regent of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation.
If you have any questions about orthodontics, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (817) 645-2432.