Many parents have experienced orthodontic treatment or “braces” themselves and can relate to the experience. However, sometimes our memories are (deliberately) foggy or, perhaps, providing braces for your child represents the first time someone in your household has experienced orthodontic treatment. Either way, here is a brief explanation of the general process of orthodontic treatment.
Dr. AJ Ker
Once a patient has presented for an evaluation and one of our orthodontists determines that treatment timing is appropriate, a set of diagnostic records is gathered. Your orthodontist will study the records and the measurements, diagnosis, and findings of the records are reviewed with the family about a week later. After this informational consultation with the doctor, the family can schedule an appointment to have the treatment start.
Typically, placing the braces takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This involves the orthodontist thoroughly cleaning and drying teeth prior to applying a special bonding agent and adhesive that allows the metal brackets to adhere to the teeth. Then, brackets can be attached — which is, surprisingly to many people, completely pain free. The positioning must be exact to properly align the teeth so your orthodontist will tinker with the position of the braces to be sure the final result will be outstanding. Finally, the orthodontist will place the arch wire in the brackets and secure it so that it stays in place for the month in between visits.
While the application of the braces to the teeth is completely painless, the mouth can be expected to be a little sore afterwards as the teeth begin to shift. Depending on the pain tolerance of each patient, the experience of discomfort will vary but it is usually nicely controlled by Tylenol or advil over the course of 1-3 days. Rarely does the discomfort last longer than the 3 days.
Dr. Ari Thanasas
After a month patients are usually very comfortable with their braces and as the wires grow in size and strength toward the finish line, it becomes more rare for patients to experience any discomfort. If teeth start hurting randomly, this is normal and likely related to an unusual contact between top and bottom teeth that occurs as the teeth go from comfortably crooked to comfortably straight.
There are many strategies for coping with any discomfort or chewing difficulty the braces may cause. For one, soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt are nutritious while not requiring much by way of chewing. Orthodontic wax could be beneficial with dealing with potential mouth sores, and it can be used as much as needed. The less any small sores are touched, the quicker they resolve and wax is extremely beneficial in that regard. Also, Colgate manufactures an alcohol free (no burning) mouthrinse that helps any mouth sores heal faster and our orthodontists recommend it. Another alternative is the wonderful home remedy of a weak solution of warm salt water multiple times per day.
It is important to remember that the process is different for everyone, but one thing is for certain any difficulty experienced in the process of orthodontic treatment pales in comparison to the amazing, life-long satisfaction of having an award-winning smile. Call us to consult with one of our orthodontists about making your smile one to remember.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
