Before your initial orthodontic appointment, we will do our part to educate you on the process of getting braces. But it is always good if you can do some research of your own to ease any lingering fears. Prepare yourself so that you go into your appointment knowing what might happen.
The first thing you should do to prepare for your or your child’s initial exam is to learn more about orthodontics and understand your options. Start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the different types of braces we offer and how each option may or may not work for you.
Things to Know
- Your initial examination is generally about 45 to 60 minutes. This appointment allows us time to gather some information and perform a clinical examination. When you call to schedule this appointment, you will be asked to provide some personal information, along with any orthodontic insurance coverage you have so that we can verify your benefits and provide you with the most accurate estimate. If treatment is indicated, an approximate estimate of the time and fees involved will be provided.
- Before getting braces, visit your family dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Visits to your dentist should continue at least every six months for the duration of orthodontic treatment. If you typically take an antibiotic before regular dental visits, make sure to notify our office. We will advise you if pre-medication is recommended before your appointment to place braces. In addition, let us know of any allergies you have.
- You will not need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for the day your braces will be placed. The only thing we ask is that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.
- Braces are applied using a special adhesive that cures rapidly initially but takes 24-hours to completely cure. At the end of your braces appointment, a team member will explain how to brush and floss, review what foods to avoid, and what to do if you experience any difficulties with your braces. You will want to check your braces once a week for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so we can arrange an appointment to repair it.
- The time it takes to apply braces is approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
- You can expect some mild discomfort for the first few days after having your braces applied. This is temporary and can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- After your braces have been placed, you can expect to come back for adjustment appointments about every 6 weeks. Adjustment appointments typically take about 15-45 minutes based on the involvement of the adjustment.
- While in braces treatment you will need to keep your teeth in pristine condition…be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. The more brushing and thorough flossing, the better!
Similarly, to how you need to prepare your mind for getting braces, you will also need to prepare your refrigerator. During your braces treatment it is best to avoid the following:
- Hard candies
- Sticky substances
- Sugary foods
Please do not eat hard foods, including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots, hard French bread crust and rolls, spareribs, corn on the cob and popcorn. These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also beware of nail-biting and pen- or pencil-chewing habits since these can damage your braces.
Getting braces is exciting! It means that you or your child are just months away from a straighter, brighter, and healthier smile. We want you to feel comfortable with the transition so we will educate you and prepare you as much as possible. If any questions arise after your initial exam, don’t be afraid to ask. The Wazio Orthodontics team is here to help you throughout your entire process.
If you are interested in braces for children, teens, or adults, please do not hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with us. With two orthodontic offices located in Batavia, IL, and St. Charles, IL, Dr. Wazio provides orthodontic treatment to many surrounding communities including Wheaton, Geneva, Aurora, Elgin, West Chicago, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Wildrose, Valley View, South Elgin, Campton Hills, and Winfield. Request your complimentary orthodontic exam today!