10 Things to Know Before Getting Braces

1. Orthodontics is not just about looks

When considering braces, people usually ask: what exactly are they, should I get them, and how can I make my teeth straight and attractive?

In fact, orthodontics has a broader purpose. It is a branch of dentistry that moves teeth into the correct position, improves chewing and creates a better smile for people with crooked or crowded teeth or a misaligned bite.

That is why, before treatment begins, the orthodontist carries out a thorough assessment — checking the number and position of teeth, including erupted and unerupted teeth such as wisdom teeth — and creates an individual treatment plan.

2. Discuss the treatment options carefully with your dentist

There are several types of orthodontic treatment:

• straight-wire braces with a continuous archwire;
• segmented archwire technique;
• clear aligners.

The method is chosen based on the condition of the teeth and the patient's needs, as well as budget and the desired treatment time.

3. Choose a reputable clinic and an experienced dentist — not the lowest price

The orthodontist's expertise is the key factor in choosing a treatment method and a clinic. Check patient reviews and reliable sources about the quality of treatment and the clinic's facilities. Don't chase the cheapest option: poor-quality materials and inadequate hygiene can lead to infection, damaged teeth and serious consequences for your appearance and health.

4. Follow your treatment plan and your orthodontist's instructions

Some patients skip follow-up and adjustment appointments, and their teeth start moving uncontrollably. This wastes money and effort and risks serious problems such as a distorted bite, more protruding or more crooked teeth.

Keeping to the appointment schedule lets the dentist monitor progress and reduce the risk of complications.

Clear aligners must be worn at least 20–22 hours a day. Because they are easy to remove, some patients wear them less than they should, forget to put them back in, or move to the next aligner early to speed things up. As a result, the teeth move incorrectly: the crown tips while the root stays in place, teeth lean over and the bite gets worse.

Discipline — attending follow-up visits and following your dentist's instructions — is therefore essential.

5. Sometimes teeth need to be extracted

Your dentist may recommend extracting teeth in the following cases:

• Severely protruding teeth. Modern orthodontics needs extractions less and less often, but when teeth stick out a lot, alignment alone is not enough — space must be created to move the teeth into the correct position.
• Severe crowding, when the jaw is too small to fit all the teeth.
• Wisdom teeth. Third molars, especially impacted ones, often interfere with orthodontic treatment, and the dentist may recommend removing them.

6. Look after your teeth properly during treatment

Care depends on the type of appliance, but the general rule is the same: clean your teeth thoroughly before and after meals so food does not get trapped between the teeth or in the appliance. Otherwise plaque builds up: bacteria turn sugar into acid that irritates the gums, causes decay and bad breath. Use an orthodontic toothbrush, interdental brushes and floss in the morning, in the evening, and before and after meals.

If oral hygiene is poor, the dentist may recommend fluoride products and monthly professional cleaning, and teach you detailed cleaning techniques.

7. Eating during treatment

Avoid hard and chewy foods, as well as sticky ones such as chewing gum — they stick to braces and are hard to clean off. Teeth that are moving are more sensitive, so very hot or very cold food may cause discomfort. Limit sugary and strongly coloured foods: they increase the risk of decay and of stains on the enamel around the brackets.

8. Dealing with common discomforts

Metal and ceramic braces. Teeth may feel sensitive for 24–48 hours after the braces are fitted. If sensitivity lasts longer than 3 days, let your dentist know. The cheeks and lips may get sore; this is rare if you follow the instructions. In an emergency, the dentist can remove a bracket and refit it later.

Clear aligners. The gums and lips may feel irritated or sore when you start wearing them. If symptoms do not improve within 3 days, see your dentist. Brief discomfort is also normal when switching to a new aligner. Aligners may increase saliva or cause a dry mouth, and some medications make this worse — discuss them with your dentist.

9. Wear your retainer after treatment

Many people think the result will last forever once the braces come off. However, without a retainer the teeth can drift back, especially if the problem was related to jaw structure.

Follow your dentist's advice and wear your retainer. Don't skip check-ups even when you are busy: your dentist can spot problems early. Check-ups can conveniently be combined with a professional cleaning.

10. Give up bad habits

Chewing pens and smoking may seem harmless. But smoking makes the gums and teeth more sensitive and stains the enamel, which can leave uneven tooth colour after treatment. Chewing pens or fingernails can loosen brackets and shift teeth without you noticing.

Contact HiDentist to get advice for your situation.