Issues Braces Can Fix
Braces are effective in correcting a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
Do you have some questions about the process of getting traditional braces in Irving and what your life will be like while you’re undergoing treatment? Fixing orthodontic problems can help improve your oral health and make you feel more confident about the appearance of your smile. For your convenience, we’ve answered some common questions we receive from patients below.
What’s It Like to Have Braces Placed?
During your consultation, your Irving dentist, Dr. Rafiq, will go over all the details that relate to the day you’ll have your braces put on. That way, you’ll know what to expect. For now, we’ll outline some basics of your treatment. It will take about an hour to place your brackets and wires, but before we do that, we’ll polish and clean your teeth to ensure that no plaque or tartar gets trapped in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. After that, we’ll paint a primer substance and bonding glue to attach your brackets to your teeth. Lastly, Dr. Rafiq will place the archwire through the brackets and secure them in place using elastics.
At the end of your appointment, we’ll go over some basic maintenance tips with you, so you feel comfortable brushing and flossing with your braces.
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
You’re never too mature to fix orthodontic issues and reduce your risk of developing oral health problems. Countless adults receive braces every year to help align their bite and straighten severely crowded teeth to make it easier to brush and floss every day. If you’re self-conscious about having traditional braces, you can always speak with Dr. Rafiq about getting Invisalign aligners instead. These are practically unnoticeable aligning trays that can fix a majority of minor and moderately severe orthodontic issues.
How Often Will I Need Checkups When I Have Braces?
It’s important to regularly visit Dr. Rafiq while you’re undergoing treatment so we can ensure that your braces continue shifting your teeth into their ideal positions and that everything is going according to plan. Typically, you’ll visit us every four to eight weeks so that we can adjust the archwires and check the progress you’ve made. These appointments are usually only about a half-hour to an hour.
Do Braces Hurt?
It's natural to experience some discomfort when you first get braces and when they’re adjusted throughout the process. After all, braces put pressure on your teeth to move them, so your mouth will need to go through a gradual adjustment period. During this time, you may feel some soreness and irritation in your mouth. Fortunately, any discomfort you feel should be mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, cold foods/drinks, and orthodontic wax. If the soreness doesn’t go away in a few days, is intense, or seems to be getting worse, be sure to contact our office right away. Overall, straightening your smile with braces in Irving shouldn’t be an uncomfortable process!