One of the best things that evolution has brought us is development. We have a lot of technology that has helped people to fix their imperfections and boost their self-esteem. Braces are one of the innovations that we have everything to be thankful for. Because good-looking teeth definitely make somebody look and feel better. They enhance your smile, fix the shape of your teeth, correct alignment issues, and all in all, improve your oral health.
Just like with any life decision, before getting braces, there are a few things that you should know so that they don’t catch you by surprise.
1. You will need to adjust your diet
If you happen to be a picky eater with a specific diet, then you are not going to like this. Because with braces, your diet must also be specific. This includes gummy and sticky foods like caramels, gummy bears, and gum. It also includes foods you have to yank to chew and very hard foods.
You are better off sticking to soft foods like pasta, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and yoghurt. Slowly, as the discomfort subsides and you get used to the feeling of chewing with braces, you can begin adding other foods back into your diet.
2. Brushing your teeth becomes crucial
Whether you have braces or not, brushing your teeth is a mandatory process in taking care of yourself, But when you have braces, the process becomes imperative. Why? You need to get rid of all the particles of food that may get stuck between the braces and inside your teeth.
Before getting braces, get a travel pack together for your on-the-go oral care. Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep your breath fresh.
3. Braces are expensive
You probably already know that braces are very expensive. In most cases, insurance covers do not cater for braces as they are seen as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. So you might want to save up before you choose to settle on braces. In Kenya, prices may range between 25,000 shillings to 150,000 shillings per bracket. This excludes the cost of seeing your dentist regularly.
The cost of braces varies widely depending on how severely your teeth are misaligned, the type of braces you choose, and whether your dentist also has to perform other related treatments–like an extraction or palate expansion.
4. They are a commitment
Your teeth will not automatically become aligned overnight. Braces are a commitment that you will have to get used to. Between taking care of your teeth and regularly visiting the dentist, you will spend a lot of time on them. That’s why it’s important to know what you are getting into before you do.
Keep in mind that the time frame given by your orthodontist is an estimate. As they observe how your teeth move in your mouth in reaction to the braces, he or she may adjust the treatment period accordingly.
5. They may be painful
While having braces may look like a smooth ride, this is not always the case. Braces may be painful. At times, patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened. The worst pain usually is felt on the days just after your braces are applied, and after you have the wires tightened. To keep it under control, you can hold ice or frozen veggies against the outside of your jaw and take a dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen.
6. You may have a minor lisp
This is something that perhaps many people don’t see coming. Braces may sometimes give you a minor lisp. When you attach metal brackets to the teeth, there’s almost no way that it won’t impact the way you speak. With no time, however, you get used to them and start talking normally.
It’s Wise To Avoid These 7 Foods If You Have Dentures
15 Practices For Healthy Teeth And DIY Home Whitening Remedies
