Questions about your Braces in Tampa, FL

Patients new to orthodontia are often nervous.  What should I expect? How long will I wear braces? What will I look like?  These are common questions and easily answered.  But, first, our Tampa, FL orthodontist asks to see you for a consultation.  The benefit to this initial meeting is to work with you to discuss the wide range of options available to you and to determine a treatment plan specific to your needs.  Every patient is different, and as the orthodontist Tampa, FL patients love for their smiles, let us talk a bit more about braces today.

How long will I wear my braces?

Since very few of us are lucky enough to have perfectly straight teeth, orthodontia treatment is often necessary.  Your treatment plan will depend on how far your teeth need to move in order to become straighter.  Invisalign and traditional braces are great options and each method has its own benefits.  Talk with our Tampa, FL orthodontist to learn more about these services and how they can help you achieve straighter teeth.

Will braces hurt?

Braces don’t hurt per se, rather the metal wire that attaches to your brackets moves teeth that don’t necessarily want to move.  This causes a little achiness initially, but goes away within a day.  The discomfort you feel is your teeth gradually moving into a new position.  With a little over-the-counter pain reliever, the achiness goes away.  For best results take the pain reliever just before your appointment.  Typically, braces only cause discomfort after your wires get tightened in our office. 

Caring for your braces

If you opt for traditional braces, you will become familiar with the brackets, wires, and rubber bands that make up this style.  Care should be taken when eating certain foods, and adjustments to your eating habits are advised.  Simple substitutions like eating corn off the cob and cutting up crunchy foods like apples are easy short term solutions.  These actions will keep your braces in good working order so that your smile doesn’t suffer any setbacks.  Proper brushing and flossing is also important. 

Invisalign braces use trays to straighten your teeth and are worn for at least 22 hours every day.  These can be removed for cleaning and your normal hygiene routine, and will also be removed while you eat. 

Wearing braces isn’t tough; it is a matter of time and patience.  The time you invest in your smile, however, will pay off in a beautiful new you.  If you take care and are cautious while wearing your braces, you’ll be visiting our Tampa, FL orthodontist in no time to receive your all-clear!  Our goal is to get your teeth as straight as can be so that you can show your smile off to the world. Learn more about us via Facebook, or call our office today to find out how we can help you get an amazing smile.