What To Expect Before You Get Your Braces

If you're in the market to get braces, you probably already know what they look like and how they work. However, if you don't know anything about the process leading up to getting braces, check out this guide. It will explain how your dentist will set you up for braces, what steps you need to go through, and the actual fitting process.

Full Exam and Cleaning

The very first step of getting braces is getting a full dental examination from your dentist. They will take a visual look at your teeth as well as taking a full set of x-rays. These x-rays will be helpful in finding problems with your teeth and in getting your braces ready, as it will be one more resource for your dentist regarding the shape and size of your bite.

Once your exam is done, you'll get a thorough dental cleaning. You may also be provided with dental sealant to help prevent cavities while you're wearing your braces.

Molding

Once your dentist has approved of your oral health and performed the above steps, they will need to take a mold of your teeth. This is similar to getting a fluoride treatment performed on your teeth at your dentist's office.

Your dentist will place a small tray inside your mouth that's full of the mold material. They'll push it firmly against your upper and lower teeth, and you'll be asked to hold it in place by biting down for a set amount of time. Once the timer is up, it will be taken out and used to make a 3D mold of your teeth. This will help your dentist to determine what teeth need to move and whether the shape of your jaw needs altering.

Fitting

Once your dentist has come up with a treatment plan for you, it's time to get your braces fitted. If you're getting standard metal braces, sublingual braces, or transparent braces, this will mean that your dentist will be placing brackets on each of your teeth. Once they're in place, they'll string a wire through each of the brackets. This wire will be tightened to gradually move your teeth.

If you've opted for invisible braces, the mold you took earlier will be used to make the invisible braces. Your dentist will order them from an outside company that's responsible for manufacturing invisible braces. You will put on the first set of braces in your dentist's office to ensure that they fit properly. If so, you're ready to go home.

Getting braces is an easy process and one that doesn't require much work on your part. Whether you're interested in traditional braces or a newer variety, talk to your dentist to get the process started. To learn more, contact an office like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.