If you know what to expect, the process of straightening your teeth will be less difficult. Your orthodontist will walk you through the entire procedure from beginning to end. Louis E Paulerio, D.D.S. can help you to get a healthy smile. 

Preparation for Braces

Before getting braces, you must first consult with your orthodontist. A typical first visit consists of:

• Discussions about your oral and overall health
• X-ray examinations
• Getting brace dental impressions
• Advising on a treatment
• Finalizing your treatment plan that includes the type of braces required, the procedure's expectations, and a timeline.

The Procedure

Your braces experience will be different from others. However, your orthodontist will typically do the following when applying traditional braces.

• Teeth cleaning and drying
• Applying adhesive to the teeth to secure the brackets
• Putting the archwires in the brackets
• Then securing them with elastic bands

It should take one to two hours. The braces will rub against your tongue and cheeks, causing discomfort and unfamiliarity. You need to get used to the sensitivity and soreness.

Taking Care of Your Braces

You have your braces on. So, what now? You must now maintain and care for them. What does this imply? It means a few different things:

When Brushing Teeth While Wearing Braces:

• Before brushing, rinse with water to help dislodge any food from the braces.
• Brush the gum line at a 45° angle with a braces brush.
• Then, brush the top brackets and wire going down, followed by brushing the bottom bracket and wire going up
• Remove all plaque and food debris from every tooth at the gum line, as well as above and below the brackets

When Flossing While Wearing Braces:

• To make things easier, try using a floss threader
• You could also use a water irrigator to help rinse out food particles between your teeth
• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and bacteria

Aside from oral care, diet is vital in brace care. Your diet has a big impact on how clean and effective your braces are. It is easier to remember what not to eat, like:

• Caramel
• Gummies
• Nuts
• Popcorn

These foods can easily get stuck in your braces. Avoid high-sugar foods, which promote plaque buildup and tooth decay.

That covers braces preparation, procedure, and aftercare. Regular dental and orthodontic visits are also advised. Visit Louis E Paulerio, D.D.S. at 1635 Rosecrans St Ste A, San Diego, CA 92106 or call (619) 223-3811 for further checkups and procedures.