When you wear braces in Tamarac to straighten your teeth, part of the process is adhering to a schedule where you’ll be asked to return to the dental office regularly for adjustments. Not everyone is willing to comply with this requirement because they don’t want to deal with the pain associated with newly adjusted braces. What’s going to happen if you don’t get your braces tightened?
Braces are effective in straightening teeth because they use gradual pressure from the brackets and wires to reposition them. As your teeth move, your braces will lose control over them, which is why you must return to your orthodontist so they can tighten your braces throughout your treatment.
Although there are no serious repercussions if you miss your appointments, it has downsides. One of which is that your braces are useless since your teeth won’t move without the pressure.
Your orthodontist determines the frequency of your appointments. The average frequency of your visits is between four to six weeks. However, it will depend on your case. Some patients may need to come back sooner.
The good news is that you can minimize the pain after your braces are tightened if you eat soft foods for one to two days after the adjustment. Examples of foods you can enjoy are smoothies, yogurts, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soups. You may also take over-the-counter painkillers to provide pain relief temporarily.
Being gentle in your brushing and flossing also helps ease the pain. If you have low pain tolerance, your orthodontist can recommend dental wax or orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks and gums from the rough brackets and wires.
Don’t be discouraged because the discomfort is only temporary and can be managed. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with quality dental care to help you achieve your dental goals at affordable rates. Our team has the skills and knowledge to deliver care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for a reservation.