Preparing for braces – what to do leading up to your fitting
If you are thinking of getting braces or you have already booked a fitting with your orthodontist, there are some things you can do to prepare before you get your braces.
These tips will help you feel ready and ensure you get the best result for yourself and your smile.
Top things to do before you get braces
Book a routine dental check and clean. Your orthodontist needs your teeth and gums to be nice and healthy before your braces are fitted. If you haven’t already done so, book an appointment with your general dentist to get a routine check-up and clean. Also, if you have any cavities, you can look into having them filled before you have your braces fitted. That way, you won’t have to experience any of the pain, discomfort, swelling or dangers that may arise when you let cavities go for too long.
Treat yourself to a favourite food. Some foods are not good for braces. They can pop brackets and bend wires, which will lead to unexpected trips to your orthodontist. Before the date of your fitting, you might want to indulge in a few of your favourite treats, because you may not be able to eat them for a while. For example:
- Nuts and hard lollies
- Chewy foods (such as toffee)
- Popcorn
- Hard crust pizza and bread rolls
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like whole apples and raw carrots
What to do the day you get your braces fixed
Here are the top three things you can do on the day of your appointment to help settle your nerves and ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
1. Clean your teeth thoroughly
In order to have the cement adhere to your teeth correctly, your orthodontist needs a plaque-free surface, so if you’re wanting to avoid a professional clean before your application it’s best to gently clean your teeth after your last meal before your appointment. Be sure to floss too!
2. Take a before selfie
Before your appointment, take a photo of your smile with your teeth on display. You’ll enjoy looking back on your teeth before treatment and comparing them after your braces come off. You might also want to take progress selfies at regular intervals to track how much your smile is changing along the way.
3. Run your tongue over your teeth
While the temptation is strong, you’re going to want to avoid poking around your braces with your tongue. Take a moment to run your tongue over your teeth to feel the smoothness following your final brush before your fitting – it will also be the first thing you do once your braces come off.
If you have any concerns or want to know more about preparing for your braces fitting and things to do before you get braces, make a list of questions to ask your Clear Choice orthodontist.
Your smile is unique...
…so your treatment will be as well.
Your local Orthodontist is specially trained to recognise the range of factors that contribute to crooked bottom teeth, and they will be able to explain your options and discuss with you what suits you best and what you want.
So click the link below to find your nearest Clear Choice Orthodontist and get ready for your new smile.
all Orthodontists are qualified dentists
they then study for an additional 3 years
including 5,000 hours of practical training
specialists in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws