Information on Braces!!! Please help!!!

Answer: dont worry!

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Hello! Everyone gets worked up about something that is new to them. Of course you would be not knowing exactly what is going to be happening. The estimated time you will be in braces is 3 years. That is just an estimate remember. THe orthodontist has to do a treatment plan and that is what they said. Keep in mind this may be shorter. Everyones teeth move at different speeds. You may get lucky and you take to braces very well allowing your teeth to move faster. Normally the whole procedure takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Some people need bands placed on the molars which are basically rings that go around the tooth like a ring on your finger. This is what the wire will hook into while in braces. If you need the bands they will put what is called seperators in between your molars before the first appointment. These are little rubber bands they floss in between your teeth. They stay in up to about a week or so.  It will feel like you have meat stuck in between your teeth. They are a little uncomfortable but you will get used to them. at the next appointment they will take them out and fit the bands around your molars. then cement them on. They will also place the brackets(braces) on at this time. Some spilt these into 2 different days but most do all in one day. It is a little uncomfortable when placing the bands because they have to go around your tooth and sit close to the gums. It should not hurt though. When they place the braces on they put something in your mouth to hold it open so nothing gets wet. They also may put some cotton rolls to keep your tongue away from your teeth on the bottom. Then they place the little straw the suction in to get all your spit. You are still able to breathe and swallow like normal. While placing the braces it does not hurt at all. You barely will feel it. Then they use a light to harden the glue to your teeth so they dont come off. This is not hot and does not hurt. they then place the wires in your mouth. To keep the wires in some braces need what are called ties on. these are the colors you get to chose and change everytime you go in for an adjustment. Thats the fun part:) they use a little tool to put them on and it does not hurt at all. You then will be given instructions on how to take care of your braces and told what you can not eat with them on. After that normally your visits only take about 20-30 mins at the most. Each month they will change your colors and some months they may change your wire as your teeth move. If you play an instrument it should not interfere with the braces. You will just have to learn how to form your mouth around it different when playing. You should have no problem at all. If you tend to get hit alot in tennis i would suggest getting a mouth guard that fits over braces. They sell them at the sporting good store for braces also. Your orthodontist may have them for you as well. I hope this helps you not be afraid of getting braces. Good luck, your on your way to a perfect smile:) you may want to bring headphones and music if they let you for the long appointment. It can get boring!