This time of the year, we hear about fear a lot. We tell spooky stories, dress as scary villains, and maybe even play a couple of harmless tricks on the neighbors. Halloween is a fun time, but it can also invoke a bit of fear, and it’s not always about ghosts and ghouls. Fear of having braces is real and impacts many, but what’s important to know is a lot of these fears can be defeated. If you’re scared about having braces, don’t be! Here are some helpful tips on how to overcome your fear of having braces, so you can look forward to your treatment and the end result.
Pain and Discomfort
Many patients are worried pain when they get braces. It’s going to hurt all the time, right? Wrong! Braces themselves don’t hurt. What you’ll probably experience is slight pressure as your braces shift your teeth, and this will only occur when you first get your braces and when you get them adjusted. Otherwise, you can expect to feel completely normal! See? That’s not scary at all!
If you do experience this slight discomfort, you can always alleviate it by taking over-the-counter pain medicine, eating cold or soft foods, and resting. So, keep this in mind the next time you feel afraid of having braces.
Appearance with Braces
Another worry among patients who are getting braces or who have just gotten them is that their braces are going to impact their appearance. True, you will look slightly different, but as you’ll realize the longer you have braces, many people may not even notice you have them, or better yet, won’t care that you have them! Many adults and young people decide to get braces, so chances are, you won’t be the only one with them at any given moment.
When it comes to your appearance with braces, we say embrace your braces! Choose colors that correspond with the season, your favorite sports team, or an upcoming holiday, and just have fun with them! Expressing your individuality with your braces will help you to overcome this fear.
Getting Food Stuck in Your Braces
Eating with braces does take some getting used to, but if you keep these helpful tips in mind, you won’t have to worry about having food stuck in your braces:
- Chew slowly
- Cut food into small bites
- Avoid problem foods
- Carry a toothbrush, floss and a mirror with you in a travel kit
- Check and clean your teeth after you eat
This will help you stay confident that nothing is stuck in your braces, and it will also help you to maintain proper oral hygiene practices.
Overcoming Your Fears
As you can see, many of the fears patients have about braces can be overcome with a positive mindset and a couple of tweaks to your everyday routine. When it comes to scary stories, let’s keep them geared toward ghosts and goblins and away from your braces!
