Getting braces can cause a lot of emotions. You may feel a bit anxious about what to expect or you may be a little bit excited to begin your journey to a better smile. No matter what you’re feeling, the unknown can be a scary place. Not being able to eat everything you want and having to worry about maintaining your braces? That’s a lot to bite off, making braces a little scary. So, are you afraid to get braces? You shouldn’t be! Here’s why.
Braces and Discomfort
You may be expecting braces to be extremely painful; however, the truth is life with braces is practically the same as life without braces. The only slight discomfort you can expect is when your braces are put on initially and when they’re adjusted. When you feel this slight discomfort, just think of it as your braces doing their job, putting you one step closer to that spectacular smile you’ve always wanted. The plus side is that there are ways to minimize this discomfort, like:
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Resting
- Applying ice packs to the area
- Eating soft foods
- Using an oral anesthetic
- Using orthodontic wax on problem areas
The discomfort should only last a day or two and you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time.
Braces and Your Peers
Another myth about braces that is completely overrated is teasing. Many patients dread being in front of their peers after they’ve gotten braces, envisioning endless taunting and teasing. Do you want to know the reality of this though? It’s not true! So many young people are getting braces, you’ll just be another person sporting them in class! Braces are extremely common, so really, you having braces doesn’t make you the odd man out. Instead those without braces may wonder why they don’t have them yet!
Braces and Food
This is a big one, especially among young patients. Not being able to eat what you want while you have braces can seem like it will have a serious impact on your life; however, don’t expect to have to limit everything from your diet. Yes, there are some food restrictions when you have braces, but this is only to protect your braces from getting damaged keep your treatment on schedule. Some food restrictions you can expect when you have braces include:
- Hard, chewy foods
- Tough meats
- Candy and gum
- Popcorn and nuts
There are still plenty of foods out there that you can enjoy with ease, so don’t worry! And remember, this is only temporary.
Braces and Oral Hygiene
Maintaining your braces has a lot to do with proper oral hygiene, which is beneficial not just now, but throughout your life. That’s why adopting good habits now can set you up for success in the future. Being sure to brush and floss daily is important, and when you have braces, making sure you clean them after eating is also key. This will prevent you from the possibility of having food stuck in your braces all day. Food left on the teeth can cause plaque to build up and cavities to form. Listen to your orthodontist when it comes to proper maintenance of your braces and you’ll be on your way to a perfect smile and healthy teeth!
Braces and Reality
As you can see, having braces isn’t that scary after all. You’re able to still enjoy foods you like, and discomfort is really at a minimum. Your peers couldn’t care less that you have braces, because they most likely have them too, and with all of the good habits you’re learning now, you’ll be taking great care of your teeth for the rest of your life. So, take a deep breath and relax. Braces aren’t so bad and there’s no reason to be afraid of getting the straight, health smile you’ve always wanted!
The team at Charleston Orthodontic Specialists is excited for you to achieve a spectacular smile! Call (843) 4-BRACES to learn more today.