For most, "summertime" invokes thoughts of days at the beach, swimming in the pool, and fireworks! But for many parents summer means time for a first visit to the orthodontist! In fact, summer is the most popular time for kids to get braces, and with good reason! Braces involve a major life change and most kids and teens need time to adjust.
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| Summer is a great time to visit CCO! |
For those considering orthodontics in the near future and especially for those who are currently getting used to their braces, listed below are four secrets about the first days with braces and some tips on helping you solve some of the most common problems!
1) Braces and wires can feel rough on your cheeks and lips
Over the past several years braces have become smaller and more comfortable than ever before. But, they will never be as smooth as teeth! For that reason, braces can feel "scratchy" or sometimes "rough" to lips and cheeks. Most patients get used to the feeling of having braces after about 2 weeks, and before that small pieces of dental wax can help buffer any particularly "rough" areas.
At Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, we utilize the smallest braces available, Speed Braces, to help make them more comfortable to wear.
2) Your teeth will get sore
The modern technology used with today's braces has greatly decreased the soreness patients experience; however, because of the biology involved with moving teeth, they will get sore. Soreness with braces usually starts the evening after you first get them on and subsides of the next 2 to 3 days. Over-the-counter pain medication (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.) usually is very effective at eliminating this discomfort.
To help our patients avoid this soreness, we use the very flexible and "soft" wires to align the teeth. In fact, the initial wires used at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics are manufactured by an international aeronautical company and have been proven to use the lightest forces possible to move teeth!
3) Brushing is going to be more challenging
Braces have many small pieces and all these pieces can act as traps for plaque. On average, patients in braces need to spend at least 2-3 minutes twice a day brushing, and floss at least once a day to maintain good dental health.
Our small Speed Braces don't require elastic ties around them, which makes it easier to maintain optimal dental hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
4) Your teeth will start to move quickly!
You will be amazed how fast your teeth will start move! With the state-of-the-art techniques and appliances we use, most patients start to notice changes in the position of their teeth within a week!
Getting braces certainly does mean a lot to get used to, making summer the ideal time for kids and teens to make that first visit to the orthodontist! The SmileMakers Team at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics in Morehead City, Jacksonville, and Havelock are the most experienced and trusted orthodontic providers in the area and are ready to help you or your child achieve a beautiful smile! smilemakersnc.com
