Three Things To Know Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment
Are you or a loved one planning on starting orthodontic treatment in the near future? Whether you are starting treatment with traditional braces or clear aligners, it can be an exciting time to imagine what your teeth will look like in the future. It can also be a little nerve-racking to begin, especially if you are a new patient with no prior experience with orthodontics. We wanted to share some important information that is important to know before starting treatment.
Treatment Time is Unique to Each Patient
We want all of our patients to know that their treatment plan is unique, which also includes the length of treatment. We will give you an estimated length to reach completion, but your prognosis will be based on what teeth need to be moved in the mouth and how long it will take your bite to be fixed. Traditional braces typically have a longer treatment time than clear aligners, but again each case will be different.
Expect Some Discomfort
It is not uncommon to experience a level of discomfort when your braces are first applied or you start the first clear aligner tray in your series of trays. There is an adjustment period to wearing orthodontic hardware for the first time. This is one of the reasons that we suggest eating a soft diet for the first few days after starting treatment. Speaking will also be a little tricky at first, but after a few weeks you will be back to speaking as you did before.
Follow Directions
There are a number of directions that we give before starting braces. We explain how to clean and care for your hardware, as well as foods that we recommend and foods that should be avoided. We will also give you an idea of how often you will need to be seen in the office for adjustments and teeth checks. Following our directions will give you the best results with little to no emergencies. Of course an emergency can happen at any time, but if you clean your mouth properly and eat the correct foods, they should be few and far between, or even non-existent. We also suggest maintaining your scheduled appointments. Cancellations and missed appointments will only prolong your orthodontic treatment time.
We look forward to you joining our Best Braces family here in Southfield, MI. If you have any questions about your treatment plan or you are looking to learn more information to start your journey with orthodontic care, we would love to hear from you. See you soon!
