Getting braces is a big step for individuals who are seeking a healthy and beautiful smile. Not only do braces give you an aesthetically pleasing smile, but they also fix underlying health issues like an overbite or underbite, tooth crowding and spacing.
While getting teeth braces is a simple and straightforward process, many people are unfamiliar with the process. If you are curious about how long it takes for your orthodontist to put braces on your teeth, then read on to learn more – and put your mind at ease.
How To Put Braces On Teeth Step-by-step
Broadly, there are two types of braces; the fixed and the removable braces. The conventional fixed braces, cannot be put on your teeth at home. After your orthodontist cleans and drys your teeth, they will attach each bracket to your teeth using a special adhesives. On the other hand, if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with removable aligners, then you will try in the orthodontic appliance at the practice and then have to learn how to put it in and take it out yourself at home, this is a simple process.
Wearing your removable aligners for the first time is not a complicated process. Your aligner manufacture will already design them in way that they should snugly fit over your teeth.
- Simply take one of your aligners – upper or lower – and gently place it over your teeth.
- Next, use your thumbs to apply gentle downward pressure so that the aligners fit over your teeth.
- You will hear a click sound once your aligners are in position.
- That’s it! You can follow the same procedure for wearing the other aligner.
How Long After Getting Braces Can You Eat Solid Food?
It is not uncommon to have pain and discomfort during initial few days after getting your teeth braces. However, as your mouth adjusts to these appliances, the pain should go away. Initially, you may find it hard to chew solid food because your teeth hurt and the brackets themselves might rub your cheeks causing irritation and pain. Therefore, orthodontists recommend eating soft foods for the first few days, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt, soup and soft fruits. You can switch to semi-solid or solid foods once your teeth have become accustomed to the braces.
In the meantime, you can relieve the pain by using over the counter pain relievers. If the sharp edges of the brackets are injuring your cheeks or lips, you may try placing orthodontic wax over them. You can also minimise the inflammation around the teeth and oral soft tissues by rinsing your mouth with salt water.
Foods To Avoid With Braces
The American Dental Association recommends avoiding hard and sticky foods while wearing braces. This is because sticky foods like popcorn, chewing gum and caramel, or hard foods like apples, corn on the cob, or steaks may result in the dislodgment of your braces. Therefore, it is always a good idea to eat soft or semi-solid foods while you are wearing braces.
What To Eat With Braces In The First Week?
During your first week of getting braces, you might experience some pain and discomfort during eating. This is because your teeth have become sensitive due to the pressure braces put on them. Therefore, you should eat soft foods such as yogurt, cereals, soft fruits and cooked vegetables during the early few days of your treatment with braces.
Can You Eat Popcorn When You Have Braces?
Every one loves to eat popcorn every now and then. Unfortunately, orthodontists advise against eating this snack when you are wearing braces. Why? Because popcorns can get stuck between your teeth, brackets and the orthodontic wire, and it’s very hard to completely remove them through brushing or flossing. Over time, harmful bacteria will utilise the food debris on your teeth and release toxins that cause teeth cavities and gum inflammation. Therefore, it is best to avoid popcorns, or any other sticky snacks while you are wearing braces.
How Long Does It Take To Get Braces Tightened?
The “tightness” of your braces is due to the tension in the wire that is attached to them. At every appointment, your orthodontist will remove the elastic wires that attach the wire to the brackets and replace them with fresh ones. Your orthodontist may also change the orthodontic wire to increase or decrease the tension. The orthodontic wire your orthodontist will use also depends on the type of braces you are wearing, the traditional metal braces or the ceramic braces. This tension in the orthodontic wire is transferred to the tooth roots, realigning the teeth, moving them in the desired direction. This entire process does not take very long – and it is normally completed in under one hour.
How Long Does The Appointment Take To Get Braces Off At the Last Appointment?
Once your orthodontic treatment has been completed, your orthodontist will remove the braces from your teeth – one by one – using a special instrument. Once your orthodontist has removed all the brackets, they will then professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar deposits which may cause gum inflammation. Finally, your orthodontist will polish your teeth to improve their aesthetics, and to minimise chances of attachment of plaque and tartar deposits in the future. Therefore, your appointment for taking off your braces may take anywhere between one to two hours.
How Long Does It Take To Fit Fixed Braces?
Fitting braces on your teeth is a simple process. Your dentist will attach each bracket to your teeth with an adhesive. The entire process can be completed in a short amount of time – typically, under an hour.
Getting braces is a painless and simple procedure, and there is no need for an anaesthetic. If you are also thinking about getting braces, then 128 Harley Dental Suite should be your first choice. Being a specialist orthodontist centre in Harley Street, we offer the highest quality orthodontic services to our patient. No matter what your orthodontic problem is, we can fix it for you. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free e-consulation appointment with us today and let us give you the smile of your dreams.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.