At Happy Dentistry, we aim to make your experience with braces or clear aligners as comfortable and smooth as possible. Whether you are getting traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful orthodontic treatment. Here are important preoperative instructions to follow before your braces or aligners are placed.
1. Confirm Your Appointment and Ask Questions
Make sure your appointment is confirmed, and feel free to ask any questions about the process, expectations, or aftercare. Our team at Happy Dentistry is here to provide any information you need to feel confident about your treatment.
2. Understand the Process
Before getting your braces or clear aligners, it’s important to understand the process. Braces involve bonding brackets to your teeth and securing them with wires, while clear aligners are custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gradually move them. Both require regular adjustments to achieve the best results.
3. Brush and Floss Before Your Appointment
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial before having braces or aligners inserted. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before coming in for your appointment. Clean teeth ensure that brackets or aligners fit properly and help reduce the risk of plaque build-up.
4. Eat a Full Meal Before Your Appointment
After your braces or aligners are inserted, your mouth may feel sore, and you might prefer softer foods for a few days. To avoid discomfort during your meal, it’s a good idea to eat a full meal before your appointment, so you’re not hungry while adjusting to the new appliances.
5. Prepare for Mild Discomfort
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort after getting braces or aligners, especially in the first few days. You may feel tightness or soreness as your teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relief like Panadol (paracetamol) or Nurofen (ibuprofen) can help manage the discomfort. Avoid aspirin, as it can slow healing.
6. Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods Before and After
Before and after getting braces or aligners, avoid eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like candy, nuts, or popcorn. These types of food can damage your braces or prevent your aligners from fitting properly. After your braces are placed, your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on foods to avoid.
7. Be Prepared for a Speech Adjustment
With both braces and clear aligners, there may be a slight adjustment period where your speech may sound different as your mouth gets used to the new appliances. This is temporary, and your speech will return to normal as you adjust.
8. Prepare for Regular Appointments
Braces require regular adjustments every 4-6 weeks to ensure your teeth are moving correctly. If you are using clear aligners, you’ll need to change your trays regularly, typically every 1-2 weeks, and come in for check-ups as needed. Make sure you are prepared to attend these appointments to keep your treatment on track.
9. Orthodontic Supplies Provided
To help you maintain oral hygiene and comfort during your treatment, Happy Dentistry will provide orthodontic wax, interdental brushes, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These supplies will help manage any discomfort and keep your braces or aligners clean and well-maintained.
10. Sign Your Consent Form
Before starting your orthodontic treatment, make sure you have signed your consent form, acknowledging your understanding of the procedure, timeline, and aftercare responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
By following these preoperative instructions, you’ll be well-prepared for your braces or clear aligners at Happy Dentistry. Our team, led by Dr. Jenny Liu, is committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring your treatment journey is smooth and effective.
Important:
If you’ve recently had aesthetic facial treatments (e.g. lip fillers, dermal fillers, or Botox), please avoid any dental procedures (including whitening) for at least two weeks before or after to minimize risks of swelling, infection, or interference with results.
If you have any further questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today at Happy Dentistry! You may visit our special offers page for current promotions on orthodontic treatments.
For more information, please visit here.