Checklist Before Getting Braces from a General Dentist
Braces are a great way to straighten crooked teeth and correct uneven bites. When preparing for the treatment process to begin, it can be helpful to review certain things with the general dentist.
How to prepare before getting braces
Outlined below is a checklist for patients who are preparing to undergo braces treatment from their general dentist. Keep reading to learn more about the preparation process!
Ask questions!
One of the most important things to do before getting braces is to ask the general dentist questions. Patients should be well-informed on the braces treatment prior to anything beginning. It is necessary to ask questions about everything, including the treatment plan, expectations and even general things, like how often adjustments are necessary or what is normal versus what might not be. General dentists are trained to answer these questions. While administering braces is their main job, they are also there to ensure that patients feel okay about their upcoming treatment.
Review oral hygiene
Reviewing oral hygiene with the general dentist is another important thing to do. Braces involve brackets and wires, which can make brushing and flossing very difficult. Regardless of the difficulties that come along with oral hygiene during the braces treatment process, it is still very necessary to regularly clean the teeth. Asking a general dentist about recommendations and tips on oral hygiene is a good idea.
Set expectations
It is important to have expectations prior to braces treatment beginning. Patients should fully understand what to expect so that there are not any surprises or disappointments throughout the treatment process. Some examples include not being able to eat certain foods that could damage the brackets or wires or simpler things, like how often it will be necessary to visit the general dentist for adjustments.
Review the timeline and treatment plan
General dentists typically outline the timeline and treatment plan prior to braces being administered, however, it is crucial to review it a few times before the process begins. This allows the patient to fully understand how long treatment may take, as well as what the goals are for the braces.
Some patients may be required to wear their braces for a year, while others may only need them for 6 months. Additionally, the goals may vary. Some patients may have a severe underbite that needs to be corrected, while others could have a crooked upper arch of teeth. Regardless of the goal, it is important to review it with the general dentist before treatment begins.
Purchase soft food
Immediately after braces are placed on the teeth, a lot of patients report soreness or slight discomfort. There should never be any pain involved, but being uncomfortable for a couple of days is completely normal. One great way to prepare before getting braces put on is to purchase some soft foods. Having things such as soup, smoothie supplies or even applesauce and icecream can be helpful. Softer foods will be easier to consume when the teeth have a fresh set of braces on them.
Get started today!
It is good to be prepared for braces treatment. Working with a general dentist about ways to prepare can be beneficial for when the braces are first placed. Any further questions or concerns about this process should be addressed by our office. Reach out today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.missionviejosmile.com or call Basti Dental Care at (949) 201-4721 for an appointment in our Mission Viejo office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Braces in Mission Viejo, CA.
Related Posts
If you have partial dentures, you know how important it is to take good care of them. Repairs can be costly and sometimes damaged dentures may require a total replacement. When it comes to partial dentures, there are many parts prone to breaking, including the teeth, clasps, acrylic plastic base and any metal pieces. When…
If you’ve lost a tooth, odds are you’ve at least looked into dental implants. They are one of the most popular alternatives to dentures or bridges. They are sturdier, more pleasant to look at, more pleasant to deal with, and have a tremendous success rate.However, there is a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need…
General dentistry refers to routine oral health care, whether that be oral hygiene or preventive measures, such as keeping bad breath at bay. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable. General dentists often recommend a few different things, which can go a long way in maintaining a…
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…