If you've decided to straighten your teeth, now's the time to prepare for your braces. One of the great things about braces is that it's never too late to start orthodontic treatment. However, you do need to prepare for the process involved in straightening your teeth. Here are four tips that will help you prepare for braces treatment

Your Dental Hygiene is Crucial

If you're going to start orthodontic treatment, you'll need to plan to adjust your dental hygiene routine. You might think that you can continue with your normal routine, but that's not actually the case. While you're undergoing orthodontic treatment, you'll need to pay closer attention to your teeth. First, you'll need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You'll also need to floss your teeth after each meal. This will keep food particles from collecting around the brackets. Finally, you'll want to avoid using whitening products. Using whitening products while wearing braces could leave you with discoloration once the braces are removed. 

Your Teeth Might Feel Loose

Now that you're going to have orthodontic braces, you can expect to feel some changes with your teeth. In fact, your teeth might actually feel loose during the treatment. That movement is a sure sign that your braces are doing their job. Braces are designed to slowly shift your teeth into a better position, which requires them to move from their current position. Once treatment is complete, your teeth will no longer feel loose. 

Your Appointments Matter

If you're scheduled to begin treatment with your orthodontic braces, you'll need to adhere to the treatment schedule. This includes attending all of your appointments. During your appointments, your dentist will tighten the wires and take care of any other adjustments that might be necessary. Unfortunately, missed appointments can extend treatment time, which means you might end up wearing your braces longer than you expected. To avoid the extended treatment time, be sure to attend each scheduled appointment. 

Your Mouth Might Hurt

Finally, now that you're ready for your braces treatment, you should also be prepared for some pain and discomfort. Pain during braces treatment can occur for a couple of reasons. First, your teeth are shifting, which can cause some discomfort. Second, the brackets can rub against the inside of your mouth, which can cause some sores. Finally, the wires on your braces can come loose, which can also cause some pain. Luckily, there are ways to dull the pain. Dental wax can help to alleviate the pain associated with sores. Over-the-counter pain medication will alleviate the discomfort associated with shifting teeth. Finally, your dentist can repair the wires, which will alleviate that type of pain.

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