Living with Braces
How long does treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment can range from anything between 6 and 24 months. Every treatment is personal and treatment time depends on the starting position of the teeth and what is involved to correct the problem.
How often will I need to come in for appointments?
For routine adjustment appointments we will arrange appointments approximately every 8 weeks. If you have an emergency or would like to have something checked before the 8 week appointment, call our reception team and they will arrange a sooner appointment for you.
What are the downsides of braces?
With fixed braces it’s quite normal to feel sensitivity for a few days when they are initially fitted and each time they are tightened. Tough and chewy foods are best avoided when wearing braces, such as apples and sweets, and it’s really important to clean your teeth and your braces thoroughly after you eat.
In some cases your speech may be mildly affected by a brace, but it’s rare for this to be a significant problem and most patients adapt within a few days. You may feel self-conscious wearing a brace, but fortunately our <<invisible braces>> are an excellent solution to this problem. Tooth coloured ceramic braces and lingual braces are very difficult for other people to detect.
With removable braces — and that includes invisible aligners and traditional retainers — you might feel some initial discomfort as the device exerts pressure on your teeth. However you can remove your device for eating, making it easier to clean your teeth afterwards and keep it free from food particles. You can also remove it for important events so you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious.
What can I eat?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign aligners is that you can remove them to eat, so your diet won’t be restricted during your course of treatment, whereas food can become entangled in fixed braces and make them difficult to clean. You will, however, have to be just as diligent with your oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing after each meal.
With fixed appliances tough and chewy foods like apples and sweets are best avoided, and you may want to avoid crunchy foods for a day or so after your braces are tightened if your teeth are feeling sensitive.