Now that you have braces, you’re aware you’ll need to make regular trips to your orthodontist to get them adjusted. Over the course of the next several months, you will see your orthodontist for braces adjustment appointments, so that at the end of your treatment, you’ll have a perfect smile.
Some patients are a little apprehensive about their appointments because they just don’t know what to expect. We’re here to tell you it’s really not a big deal at all! Here’s what you can expect when you get your braces adjusted.
What Happens at Your Appointment
At your appointments, your orthodontist will check to see that everything is working properly, and they will speak to you about your treatment and how you’re progressing. This is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns about your treatment plan, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your treatment. Generally, you can expect to see your orthodontist about every six to ten weeks, and they will adjust your braces to help your teeth move to the right locations, so you end up with a perfect smile.
Typically, your orthodontist will remove your elastics, then the arch wire. They will then examine your teeth to ensure your treatment is going as planned and make any tweaks as necessary. After looking over your progress, your orthodontist will replace the arch wire either with the same wire or with a new one. This is where you may experience some slight discomfort, but don’t worry, we’ve got some suggestions on how to manage that.
Dealing with Any Discomfort
Once your braces have been tightened, you may feel a little discomfort, which is completely normal. The good news is there are many ways to help alleviate this discomfort, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Eating soft foods
- Ice packs and cold water
- Oral anesthetics
- Rest
Any discomfort should subside in about a day or two, then you’ll be back to your normal self and your normal routine.
Preparing for Your Appointment
The most important thing to remember when you’re getting your braces adjusted is to relax. Seeing your orthodontist for an adjustment is no big deal and you’ll get used to it in no time! Remember that slight discomfort can be fixed with some simple steps and it’s only temporary. Seeing your orthodontist during treatment is a vital part of the process and is important to the overall outcome of your treatment plan.
Don’t forget the end goal, which is to achieve a perfect smile you can show off for life. So, when you’re preparing to see your orthodontist for your adjustment appointment, keep these tips in mind and be confident knowing you’re one step closer to a beautiful smile.
