If you’re considering metal braces, you’ll need to be sure you can also maintain the upkeep after you get them.
After you get braces, you’ll have to regularly see your orthodontist for checkups and assessments and also to adjust your braces.
How often are braces tightened?
Braces work by realigning your jaw by putting pressure on the area. As they actively realign the jaw, the brackets and connected wires will no longer be as tight so they need to be tightened.
Your braces will need to be tightened every 6 to 8 weeks. This routine will be established as time goes on as to how often you’ll need to come in for tightening.
What happens if you don’t get your braces tightened?
Skipping out on getting your braces tightened means that your braces will stop working and that any results you’ve gained will actually be reversed.
Braces put pressure on your teeth through the wires that connect the brackets placed on your teeth. As they exert pressure and the teeth start to shift, the wires exert less pressure. In order for the teeth to keep shifting, retightening is required.
If you don’t get them retightened, quite simply, you won’t get any results.
What are the side effects of tightening braces?
There are no serious side effects of getting your braces tightened, but it’s normal to feel after-effects like soreness in your jaws and teeth; gum sensitivity, pain and discomfort when you open your mouth to eat or drink. It will also be uncomfortable to bite and chew food.
These effects can be eased by applying an ice pack to your jaw or painkillers (which must be approved by your orthodontist).
How long does an adult orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times often vary between patients depending on what their oral needs are. Mild problems can sometimes be treated in just a few months, while more complex problems can take closer to two years.
On average comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually takes between 12 to 18 months. However, many adults only want cosmetic improvements to their front teeth, which can be achieved within a shorter timeframe – closer to six months.
For children, the treatment usually takes around 6 to 12 months to complete. After the orthodontic treatment, a retainer will be made to protect their teeth. The second stage of treatment may occur once the adult teeth have fully come through.
Your orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate idea of how long your treatment should take when you come in for a consultation.
Experienced Family Orthodontist in Brisbane
If you’d like to learn more about orthodontics or would like to discover how it may benefit you or your child, get in touch online. Alternatively, to book your consultation with one of our exceptional orthodontists, call our Strathpine practice on 07 3889 8355 or our Ferny Grove practice on 07 3851 0666 today!
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