Allow yourself about three hours to get all your braces on. Some orthodontists offer TVs, VCRs, or stereos, and headphones so you can watch movies or listen to CDs to pass the time. You can also take breaks when you need to get up and walk around.
Treatment lengths vary, depending on such factors as:
Rate of growth (for adolescent patients)
Degree of correction required
Patient cooperation
During treatment, you will visit the orthodontist every four to six weeks to have your progress checked and the adjustments made that will slowly move your teeth into the proper position.
During the treatment period, it is important to take good care of the teeth and gums. Continue to see your regular dentist and hygienist for your usual cleaning schedule. Follow your dentist’s and orthodontist’s instructions regarding care of your entire mouth, foods to avoid, and brushing and flossing schedule.
Thoroughly brush your teeth for at least 2 to 3 minutes twice a day. You will be taught how to thread dental floss under the wires so you can floss most effectively. Some orthodontists advise flossing the top and bottom teeth on alternate days. Otherwise flossing can become so time-consuming that some patients will avoid it altogether.
Avoid sticky and hard foods, such as taffy, caramel, Tootsie rolls, fruit leather, whole apples, and corn on the cob. These foods can cause part of your braces to pop off. So can chewing on ice. Popcorn is okay as long as you don't eat the kernels. You can eat apples that have been cut up and corn that has been removed from the cob. It is okay to chew sugarless gum occasionally; gum chewing actually improves blood flow to the teeth.
Most patients wear their braces for an average of 24 months. Treatment periods may be as short as six months, depending on the degree of correction required and responsiveness of the mouth.
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