What to Expect When Getting Braces On

Posted on February 6, 2019

Many people are unsure what to expect when getting their braces on. It can be a very nerve racking yet exciting time! It’s normal to have questions prior to this appointment, that’s why we are here to walk you through the entire process.

Before getting started putting the brackets on,  you will watch a video that tells you how to care for your braces. This video will explain how to keep braces clean, what foods to eat, and what to do if an emergency were to occur (example: a bracket coming off).

Let’s get started!

Our doctor will take another look inside your mouth to make sure your teeth and gums are still looking healthy. We will use cheek re-tractors to keep your lips and cheeks out of the way in order to maintain a dry surface while placing the brackets. This is important because brackets will stay on better if placed on a dry tooth.

We will start by using a green gel to thoroughly clean your teeth. Once the gel is rinsed off, we will suction and make sure all the teeth are as dry as possible. A little brush will be used to paint each tooth with a polish that will help the glue adhere to the surface. Once each tooth is dry, we will beginning placing brackets one by one with glue on the backside of them. Each time a bracket is placed, we will use a light to help the glue dry more quickly. This process will be repeated until all brackets are in place.

What about the wire?

At Cardinal Orthodontics, we use brackets that are similar to a garage door. The door opens so we can close the wire inside of it. Together, the brackets and wires will help with the movement of your teeth. Adding the wire will be the final step in getting your braces on.

Questions?

Once everything is complete, the doctor will go over any questions you may have about your braces. We will send you home with a “goodie bag” full of supplies that were shown in the video you watched prior to getting your braces on. Some of these items include:

• Fluoride
• Floss Threaders
• Wax
• Proxy Brushes
• Caring for your Braces Brochure

It’s that simple! We are excited to begin this journey with you to a bright and beautiful smile, and are here to answer any questions you may have about the process.