Ensuring that your teeth are healthy and strong is an important part of maintaining overall good physical health. While this usually means visiting one of our dentists regularly for cleanings and exams and paying attention to any changes that you notice in your mouth or your jaw, sometimes it means having different kinds of procedures or treatments. Not all of these are bad, of course, and some are quite common—common enough that many individuals have also experienced them. Braces, for example, are one of the most common orthodontic treatments around, and many individuals get them. If you think you might need braces, Dr. Kelly can offer you expert care to ensure that the process is a smooth one.
What Are Braces, and Why Might I Need Them?
If you think about it, braces tend to be used to ensure that bone stays in place. If you sprain or fracture a bone in your leg, for example, you might end up wearing a leg brace to ensure that the bone remains aligned and heals properly. Dental braces are quite similar in concept as well as intent. They are orthodontic devices that are attached to your teeth and are tightened at various intervals. This helps your jaw and your teeth align correctly, giving you a functional smile with teeth that work as intended.
If you have a misaligned bite or other malocclusion, braces might be the best and most reliable bet to correct the issue before it causes any lasting harm to your oral health.
Do Braces Hurt?
One of the most common questions that we hear from prospective patients is about the aftereffects of the braces. You might wonder if they hurt, for example, and if you will mind wearing them. Braces are not meant to be painful, and most of the time you will adjust to wearing them quickly. When they are tightened, of course, you might experience some discomfort at first while your teeth adjust, but this is fleeting and not long-lasting. Most patients can continue about their daily lives, even immediately after having their braces tightened.
Braces also shouldn’t be inherently uncomfortable to wear. It might take you a while to fully adjust to wearing them, of course, but this adjustment process is usually a quick one. You might not ever feel like the braces are “natural”, but most patients do become accustomed to their presence and are not bothered by them.
What Else Should I Know About Braces?
When it comes to braces, make sure that you pay attention to your oral health. You might have food stuck in the braces, for example, that can begin to break down and cause an unpleasant odor or taste. You must carefully brush your teeth and floss them, and check your braces for any signs of lingering food debris. This process isn’t a difficult one, nor is it particularly time-consuming, but it is probably worth mentioning.
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For nore information about dental braces and how they can help you, contact Kelly Smile Dentistry today at 760-242-2338 !