female patient with braces

Smile Transformation Starts Here: Expert Braces in Manchester

At Smilebliss, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a confident and stunning smile at an affordable price in Manchester, New Hampshire. Our expert team offers personalized care using the latest technology for both teens and adults looking to straighten their teeth and enhance their dental health.

Our braces are tailored to fit your lifestyle and goals, ensuring a comfortable and successful orthodontic journey.

Discover how Smilebliss can transform your smile and boost your confidence by calling (603) 815-9200. You can also visit us at 1045B Hanover St, Manchester, New Hampshire 03104.

How to Prepare for Braces

Before you even meet with your orthodontist, several steps can make the transition to braces easier. How to prepare for braces often starts with ensuring your oral health is in tip-top shape. Consider scheduling a teeth cleaning for a plaque-free surface.

Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning

First things first: schedule an appointment with your regular dentist. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned removes any stubborn plaque and allows the orthodontist to bond the brackets more effectively.

A thorough checkup will also uncover cavities or other dental issues that may need addressing before getting your braces.

Address Issues Later On

If your dentist discovers cavities during the checkup, you should have those filled before your braces appointment. Addressing these issues early prevents any discomfort or complications down the line. It’s much easier to treat any dental concerns before your braces are on. It’s also a good time for wisdom teeth extractions if your orthodontist recommends them.

Foods to Favor (and Avoid)

Learning how to prepare for braces also involves adapting your diet, at least temporarily.

Here’s the breakdown:

What to Avoid:

  • Chewy Treats: Caramel, taffy, gum – they’re all no-nos. These sticky culprits can cling to brackets and wires, increasing the risk of damage.
  • Crunchy Bites: As much as you might love them, popcorn, hard candies, and Jolly Ranchers are best avoided with braces. Biting into these hard foods can loosen brackets or even break wires.
  • Sugary Delights: While sugary foods aren’t off-limits entirely, they require extra attention when wearing braces. These treats tend to stick around, feeding bacteria and potentially causing cavities.

Stock Up on Soft Foods

Knowing how to prepare for braces means thinking about your meals, especially during the first week after placement.

Your mouth may be sore, so plan for soft, easy-to-eat foods:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies
  • Soup
  • Applesauce
  • Soft cheeses
  • Pasta
  • Cooked vegetables
  • Tender meats

After a while, you can slowly reintroduce other foods, but stick to cutting them into bite-sized pieces and avoiding excessive force when chewing.

Gathering Your Orthodontic Toolkit

Once you’ve checked off the pre-braces essentials, it’s time to assemble an orthodontic care kit to navigate life with braces comfortably:

Must-Haves for Your Care Kit

Item Why You Need It
Orthodontic wax Provides a barrier against irritation by covering up any poking wires or brackets, especially during the initial adjustment phase.
Over-the-counter pain reliever Helps manage any soreness or discomfort, particularly during the first week after braces are put on and after adjustments.
Fluoride toothpaste Strengthens enamel and protects against cavities, essential since braces can trap food particles.
Soft-bristled toothbrush Effectively cleans around brackets and wires without causing damage to your braces or gums.
Water Flosser Makes flossing a breeze, allowing you to remove food debris and plaque from those hard-to-reach places around brackets and wires.
Orajel (or a similar numbing solution) Offers fast-acting relief for those moments when brackets or wires rub against the insides of your cheeks or lips.
Interdental brushes Help you get in between wires and brackets, removing those pesky food particles a regular toothbrush might miss.

Pack for On-the-Go Care

A travel-sized oral hygiene kit can be a lifesaver. Keep a small bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax in your backpack, purse, or car for easy cleaning after meals. Trust us, your breath (and your braces) will thank you.

Types of Braces

woman with braces closed eyes smilingThere are several types of braces available, each with unique benefits.

Understanding your options can help you make an informed decision:

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most traditional and widely used type of braces. They consist of high-quality stainless steel brackets and wires that are attached to the front of the teeth.

Benefits

  • Durability: Metal braces are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor adjustments to more complex cases.
  • Effectiveness: They are highly effective in aligning teeth and correcting bite issues, often achieving results in a shorter time frame compared to other options.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally, metal braces are the most affordable option, making them accessible for many patients.

Considerations

Since they are made of metal, these braces are more noticeable than other types. However, they can be personalized with colored bands for a more unique look.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of the teeth.

Benefits

  • Aesthetic Appeal: The main advantage of ceramic braces is their discreet appearance. They are less visible than metal braces, making them a popular choice among adults and teens concerned about aesthetics.
  • Effective: Like metal braces, ceramic braces are effective in correcting alignment and bite issues.

Considerations

  • Ceramic braces are typically more expensive than metal braces.
  • The ceramic material is more fragile and can be more prone to chipping or breaking. Additionally, the brackets are larger, which can make them slightly less comfortable.
  • The clear or tooth-colored brackets can stain if not properly cared for, especially if you consume certain foods or drinks.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a modern orthodontic solution that uses a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to gradually move teeth into the desired position.

Benefits

  • Invisibility: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, offering a highly discreet treatment option.
  • Removability: The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene and no dietary restrictions.
  • Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, they are often more comfortable than traditional braces, with no metal brackets or wires that might irritate the mouth.

Considerations

  • Patients must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. They need to be disciplined in maintaining this routine and in following up with regular orthodontic check-ups.
  • Clear aligners are generally more expensive than traditional braces.
  • While effective for many types of orthodontic issues, clear aligners might not be suitable for complex cases that require significant tooth movement.

The Adjustment Period: Expect Some Discomfort

No matter how much you understand how to prepare for braces, remember there will be an adjustment period.

When those braces are first placed, or even tightened during adjustments, you might feel some tenderness or soreness for a few days. Your mouth is getting used to a new kind of constant pressure. But here’s the good news – the discomfort is temporary. You’ve got this.

How to Prepare for Braces Mentally

As much as practical preparation matters, don’t overlook the mental aspect. It’s okay to feel a bit anxious or overwhelmed, especially if you’re getting braces as an adult or you’re a parent navigating this for your child. Embrace those feelings. Everyone reacts differently.

How to prepare for braces mentally also involves getting excited. Think about how fantastic you’ll feel with a straightener, healthier smile once the treatment is complete.

Consider scheduling something fun after each orthodontic appointment as a little reward. Focus on the finish line. It’s all about perspective.

Benefits of Wearing Braces

Wearing braces can be a life-changing experience, and not just for your teeth! Not only do they improve the alignment and appearance of your teeth, but they also have a significant impact on your overall oral health and self-confidence.

Here are some of the benefits of wearing braces:

Improved Oral Health

  • Better Gum Health: When teeth are crooked or overlapping, it can be difficult to clean them properly, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues. Braces help to straighten teeth, making it easier to brush and floss, and reducing the risk of gum disease.
  • Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: By straightening teeth, braces make it easier to clean teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
  • Prevention of Tooth Loss: Braces can help to prevent tooth loss by reducing the wear and tear on teeth that are crooked or overcrowded.

Boosted Self-Confidence

  • Improved Smile: A straight, healthy smile can do wonders for your self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • Enhanced Facial Aesthetics: Braces can improve the overall appearance of your face, making your features more balanced and harmonious.
  • Increased Confidence in Social Situations: With a straight, healthy smile, you’ll feel more confident in social situations, whether it’s at work, school, or with friends.

Other Benefits

  • Better Digestion: When teeth are crooked or overcrowded, it can be difficult to chew food properly, leading to digestive issues. Braces can help to improve digestion by allowing for more efficient chewing.
  • Reduced Risk of Jaw Pain: Braces can help to reduce the risk of jaw pain and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders by improving the alignment of the teeth and jaw.
  • Improved Speech: In some cases, crooked teeth can affect speech patterns. Braces can help to improve speech by straightening teeth and improving the alignment of the jaw.

Long-Term Benefits

  • Permanent Results: With proper care, the results of wearing braces can be permanent, giving you a healthy, straight smile for years to come.
  • Reduced Risk of Future Orthodontic Issues: By addressing orthodontic issues early on, braces can help to reduce the risk of future problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Overall, wearing braces can have a significant impact on both your oral health and your self-confidence. By straightening your teeth and improving your smile, braces can give you a renewed sense of confidence and a healthier, happier you!

Why Choose Smilebliss?

🦷 Tailored braces solutions to meet individual orthodontic needs and goals.

🦷 State-of-the-art equipment for precise and effective braces application.

🦷 Different braces choices, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and colored bands for personalization.

🦷 Complete orthodontic services from initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up.

Start Your Braces Journey With Us

Investing in braces is a transformative step towards achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Don’t wait to start your journey to a perfect smile—schedule your consultation with us in Manchester today. Our expert team is ready to provide personalized care and advanced orthodontic solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Take the first step towards a confident, radiant smile by contacting us now and discovering the difference that professional orthodontic care can make.


Smilebliss Orthodontics
1045B Hanover St, Manchester, New Hampshire 03104
(603) 815-9200

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