Braces
Braces Treatment
If you have braces, then congratulations! You’re on the road to a new and confident smile. Braces are an incredibly useful tool in correcting malocclusion, or a poorly fitting bite. Whether you have an overbite, an underbite, unwanted gaps between your teeth, or overcrowded or crooked teeth, getting braces can be the first step in restoring your confidence after a lifetime of poor dental alignment.
We are the only office in Winnipeg to offer custom printed brackets to fit your teeth perfectly. This technology called Lightforce, offers a treatment that is more efficient with less discomfort.
We here at Dr. Tim Dumore & Team are excited about your new smile and want to explain to you exactly what you can expect on a typical day with braces.
Types of Braces
There are options when considering braces. Many patients are aware of the traditional metal braces, which may be sufficient for many, but there are other various styles to suit every person and lifestyle.
At Dr. Dumore & Team Orthodontics we are happy to evaluate your needs, show you your options, and make recommendations based on your situation. Dr. Dumore knows that our patients come from many different stages in life, and he wants you to get the orthodontic care that you need to improve your bite, function, and aesthetics. We ask that our patients become knowledgeable in their options in order to find their best fit.
What can I expect when I wear braces?
Many people are nervous about getting braces because they may know someone who has had them done before and have been warned that they may experience pain at first. The truth is, getting braces is actually quite easy and having them placed does not hurt at all. You may, however, notice a little bit of aching or pressure in the first few days following their application as you get used to wearing them. It goes away fairly quickly, though.
To help, start with eating soft foods for the first few days (yogurt, applesauce, soup, and pasta are all good choices) and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to combat the discomfort. We will also give you some orthodontic wax to help coat your braces wherever they are irritating your cheeks. Feel free to rinse with salt water to help relieve any discomfort.
If you have any bad habits like biting your nails or using tobacco products, you’ll need to retrain yourself so you stop doing it. It could damage your teeth.
In your day to day life, you will have to modify your diet slightly for your own comfort. Avoid sticky foods, as they can get trapped behind your braces and can be a challenge to keep them clean. Hard or crunchy foods (like nuts, popcorn, and apples) should be avoided as they can break your bracket. It may take a few weeks to get used to your braces, but you WILL get used to them.
The biggest difference that you’ll notice in day-to-day life is how you’ll take care of your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing may be a bit trickier at first, but it’ll quickly become routine to you. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush downward, facing your braces with the toothbrush. You will use special floss threaders to help you floss between your teeth and your wires and brackets.
Don’t be surprised if you wear out your toothbrush faster, as your braces can be rough on it. Follow up your brushing and flossing with a good look in the mirror to make sure you got rid of all trapped food and debris. You don’t want to go through all this work only to turn around and develop tooth decay!
If you have dental braces, then you are on the right path to having your most confident and beautiful smile.
To learn more about braces, or how orthodontic work can benefit you, please give us a call here at Dr. Tim Dumore & Team at 204-832-3910 today for more information or to set up an appointment with us!