How to prepare for getting braces

Many people these days choose to get straight teeth at home London.  They want to get a better smile by improving the look of their teeth and thus enjoy increased self-confidence in all areas of life. Getting braces was once the sole preserve of teenagers and young people, but with options like clear aligners, this is no longer the case. Having a great smile is now an option for people of all ages.

Visit the hygienist

It is important to ensure that the teeth are in the best possible condition before embarking on any straightening treatment. One way to do this is by visiting a good hygienist. They can give the teeth a thorough professional clean, taking care to remove plaque and tartar. Whether or not a person is getting braces, it is a good idea to go to the hygienist for a clean on a regular basis.

If the teeth are thoroughly clean before a patient starts to use braces, they can be more confident of being able to maintain good oral health during treatment and of getting the most desirable results when the necessary time period has elapsed.

Stop smoking

Smoking is generally considered bad for a person’s oral health regardless of any potential treatments; but it is especially important not to smoke while wearing braces. If a person smokes while wearing clear aligners, for example, the teeth and the aligners themselves are likely to become stained over time. This could mean that the patient’s smile isn’t as great as it could be once the teeth have been straightened.

There are lots of help out there for those who wish to stop smoking. The NHS provides a good starting point; and there is a variety of options for those who wish to kick the habit. Some people can benefit from using a form of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches; so, it may be worth discussing these options with a doctor or pharmacist.

Get a dental check-up

It is important to get a comprehensive check-up from the dentist before going ahead with braces. This is because orthodontic treatment requires the patient to have good oral health before getting started. Therefore, any issues such as gum disease or cavities should be identified and resolved before starting to wear aligners or indeed fixed braces.

Prepare for self-discipline

Regardless of the kind of braces a person decides to wear, there is an element of self-discipline involved. If the patient is wearing fixed braces, they will need to be diligent about keeping them and their teeth clean and they may have to avoid certain foods or drinks during treatment. 

Opting for clear braces also involves being disciplined, particularly about wearing them for the majority of every 24-hour time period. Although they can be removed for eating and drinking anything that isn’t water, the patient must be careful to wear the aligners for around 22 hours each day. Preparing oneself mentally for exercising such self-discipline is important if the person wishes to enjoy the best possible results at the end of treatment.