On your initial visit to an orthodontist, you most likely have questions in mind. Here are some that are commonly asked.
What usually takes place in a dental visit?
To evaluate your dental condition, the orthdontist will examine your mouth thoroughly. You can expect his or her team to get an x-ray, impression and even a photograph of your teeth, mouth and jaw. Your orthodontist will also ask about your medical and dental history. Based on the information they’ve gathered from the abovementioned, he or she will give an assessment of your teet. If there is no treatment needed, he or she will most likey just recommend good oral practices and schedule another visit after six to twelve months.
What are spacers?
Your teeth are naturally tight together. Before your teeth can have braces, your orthodontist prepares them by inserting some space between the teeth where the bands can be attached. These spacers move the teeth to make desired spaces necessary. Spacers can either be small springs or plastic modules. Using spacers at first can make you feel pain or discomfort. But this should go away after a few days. Rinse your mouth with warm water to soothe the soreness and avoid irritation. Chewing can also make you feel better.
What should I do in case a spacer comes out?
Let your orthodontist know. This is something that you should not leave as is because it will disrupt your treatment plan.
What am I allowed to eat when I have orthodontic braces?
Actually there are no prohibitions. However there are certain food that stick on your braces and make it difficult for you to clean them. You should also avoid food that is hard to chew since they could damage your braces. You can still eat them but you should find a way to eat them without causing any damage. When you want to eat hard to chew food like a whole apple, corn on a cob or carrots, it’s better to slice them into manageable pieces or strips. As much as possible avoid sweet and sticky food like bubble gum, caramel or chewy candies or you’ll end up painstakingly cleaning your teeth and braces. If not, they could cause cavities. If you did and a toothbrush is not with you, rinse your mouth with warm water so you can wash away food debris from their hiding places.