Getting Braces? 6 Important Things You Need to Do First
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. However, before beginning your orthodontic journey, you need to take a few crucial actions.
Proper preparation ensures a smoother experience and helps you achieve the best possible results.
Here are six essential things you need to do first:
#1. Schedule a Dental Check-Up and Cleaning
Before getting braces, visit your dentist for a thorough examination and professional cleaning. A dental check-up evaluates for cavities, gum disease, and existing dental conditions that must be treated before starting braces.
Untreated problems can worsen during orthodontic treatment, so it’s best to address them beforehand. A professional cleaning will also remove plaque and tartar buildup, giving you a fresh start before your braces.
Regular dental visits throughout orthodontic treatment will help maintain oral health and prevent complications. Your dentist may also take X-rays to assess any hidden dental issues that could impact your treatment.
#2. Complete Any Necessary Dental Work
If your dentist identifies any issues, such as cavities or the need for extractions, it’s crucial to take care of them before your orthodontic treatment begins.
Braces make it more challenging to access certain areas of your teeth, so fixing existing problems beforehand prevents complications. When wisdom teeth could affect your orthodontics, your dentist sometimes suggests their removal.
If you have fillings, crowns, or other restorations, your dentist will assess whether adjustments are needed to accommodate your braces.
#3. Adjust Your Diet to Protect Your Braces
Braces require a few dietary adjustments to prevent damage. Start getting used to avoiding foods that can break brackets or get stuck in wires.
Some foods to avoid include:
- Hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and ice
- Chewy or sticky treats like caramel and gum
- Crunchy foods like raw carrots, apples, and hard crackers
- Tough meats that require excessive chewing
Instead, consider incorporating more soft foods into your diet, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies, to make the transition easier once your braces are in place.
#4. Brush and Floss Thoroughly Before Your Appointment
Before your braces appointment, ensure your teeth and gums are in top condition.
Brush thoroughly, floss between your teeth, and pay close attention to your gum line. Conducting this assessment will decrease your exposure to problems or discomfort and provide a stable oral foundation for your orthodontic work.
#5. Stock Up on Soft Foods and Pain Relief Essentials
Braces can cause some initial discomfort as your teeth adjust.
Your kitchen preparation should include buying easy-to-consume soft foods before you need braces, such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups
- Smoothies
In the initial days, over-the-counter painkillers might lessen any tenderness. Orthodontic wax is also helpful in covering any brackets that may irritate the inside of your mouth.
#6. Take a “Before” Photo to Track Your Progress
A great way to stay motivated during your treatment is by taking a clear “before” photo of your teeth. Over time, you can compare your progress and see how your smile transforms.
Many patients find this visual record rewarding and encouraging throughout their orthodontic journey.
Why Braces Matter: The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment
Braces do more than straighten your teeth—they improve your oral health and confidence.
Here’s why braces are a valuable investment:
✅ Improved Oral Health – Crooked teeth obstruct proper dental hygiene practices, which produces cavities and gum diseases. Braces help create a healthier smile that’s easier to maintain.
✅ Better Bite Alignment—Braces correct issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, reducing strain on the jaw and preventing long-term dental problems.
✅ Enhanced Confidence—People with straight smiles experience increased self-esteem, creating confidence during professional meetings and social gatherings.
✅ Prevention of Future Dental Issues – Addressing alignment problems can prevent complications like TMJ disorders, excessive tooth wear, and speech difficulties later in life.
Dental Braces at Albury
At Kreativ Dental Albury, we want to ensure you’re fully prepared for orthodontic treatment. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Kreativ Dental is a patient-friendly practice that offers excellent dental care to people of all ages in Albury and the surrounding areas.
Book your appointment online today! You can also call us at (02) 6021 4171 or visit us at 525 Wilson St in Albury.