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Everything You Wanted to Ask Your Orthodontist About Braces

Young girl getting braces examined by an orthodontist

Everyone has encountered braces in one form or another in their life. Either you have had them, or a friend, family member, or acquaintance has had braces. Whether you are a teenager looking to get braces or waiting till later in life to get them, you may have a laundry list of questions about braces you want to ask. Fear not, as we have compiled a list of questions you should ask your orthodontist about getting braces regardless of where you are in life. 

Are Braces Purely Cosmetic?

While braces help improve the aesthetics of your smile, they can also impact how you chew and process food. Braces help align your teeth, improve chewing efficiency, and avoid damage or potential decay due to the misalignment. 

How Long Do I Need to Wear Them?

You’ll need to typically wear braces for one to three years to get the maximum benefits of the procedure. During that time, your orthodontist may have to adjust your braces to get them back into alignment or adapt to a changing situation.

Are Braces Painful?

After some initial pain and discomfort stemming from when you first get them, braces are not painful. You may feel that discomfort in the immediate days after getting them, but that will go away with time. The potential exists that the braces can brush against the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing discomfort; however, it’s nothing that orthodontic wax can’t handle. 

Can My Teeth Straighten Naturally Over Time?

Without the aid of braces, chances are highly unlikely that your teeth will straighten out over time. They would be more likely to drift apart and have spaces grow larger than for them to realign on their own. 

Are There Any Foods I Should Actively Avoid?

While braces are made of metal, they can still bend and break if they encounter a hard enough material. Avoiding foods that are naturally hard or having a tougher component can help you in the long run. Avoiding foods such as bone-in meats, unpopped popcorn kernels, or any particularly hard candies can help preserve your braces for the long term. 

What Happens When The Braces Are Removed?

It’s not all smooth sailing after you get your braces removed. After the braces come off, you will be given a retainer to initially wear at all times (except when you eat or brush your teeth). From there, it will move to only wearing it at night, and then you should be in the clear with a happy and healthy smile. 

These are some of the most common questions regarding braces that patients have; however, you may have some questions tied directly to your situation. You can contact Hamilton Dental to get your most pressing questions answered about braces or schedule an appointment for a cavity filling at our Mercer County, NJ, location today!