When you have braces it's critical to have them adjusted on a routine basis, so you can get the best possible results from your treatment. In this blog, our orthodontists discuss what you can expect, when you come in to have your braces adjusted.
Braces work to shift your teeth gradually in increments until they reach their corrected positions. For this process to work properly you will need to visit your orthodontist regularly, so they can adjust your braces very slightly.
Here we listed what you can expect when you come in for braces adjustments:
- First, the orthodontic assistant will take out the elastics that connect your brackets to the archwire.
- Next, the archwire is removed.
- After the archwire is taken off the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth to see how well your treatment is progressing.
- This is when we have the opportunity to replace any broken parts of your braces (if there are any).
- Then, we place the archwire and new elastics. (If it's your first time, it can be a bit uncomfortable, but it will hurt less next time).
- Immediately inform your orthodontist if your archwire is poking you in the mouth, so they can shorten it with clippers to prevent any irritation.
- That's All! Now you just have to schedule your next adjustment appointment.
It's normal to feel some discomfort after your adjustment appointment. The minor pain you might be feeling should go away in several days. To help alleviate your discomfort you can try gently holding an icepack to your face periodically, or take an over-the-counter painkiller. Keep eating soft foods until you're feeling a little less sore.
