Most of us wish we had a beautiful smile and wonderfully straight teeth. If you’ve had braces put on by an orthodontist, you’re already halfway there. But don’t think of braces as a quick or easy fix. In fact, they require regular adjustments and assessments by your orthodontist and for you to actively participate in your treatment to get your smile just right.
Your braces will need constant adjustment because of the pressure they put on your teeth to reposition them. Each time your teeth move slightly, the braces lose grip, and your orthodontist must adjust them again. These regular adjustments and reviews are the best way to safely and effectively align your teeth.
For your treatment to stay on track, you must work with your orthodontist and dentist, attend appointments, and follow their advice. This will ensure your oral health and teeth alignment are on track.
This article looks at the process and frequency of adjusting braces, what happens if you don’t get your braces tightened, how to manage the discomfort, and why it’s so essential.
Why is the Braces Adjustment Process Necessary?
Your teeth may need pressure applied in different directions to get those ever-so-straight pearly whites. This is the main reason your orthodontist will insist on regular checkups and adjustments. Skipping adjustments prevents your teeth from being guided into their correct position.
With your braces, your teeth may move in directions the orthodontist doesn’t anticipate, so skipping appointments is not advised. If your orthodontist doesn’t have the opportunity to check whether unexpected things are happening, they can’t correct any potential problems. Regular appointments are the best way for your doctor to know whether anything unusual is happening and correct your treatment plan if needed. It’s better in the long run for you to stick with your adjustment appointments.
How Often Do Braces Need to be Adjusted?
In your first appointment, your orthodontist will assess your teeth and devise a treatment plan and schedule specifically for you. This treatment plan will be based on your teeth and jaw alignment, age, and oral health. Of course, everyone’s needs are unique, so there is no exact timing for everyone. However, braces generally need adjusting every 10-12 weeks. If you feel your braces are losing grip or you don’t feel any pressure from your braces while eating, make sure to schedule an appointment for a checkup.
How do Braces Get Adjusted?
Here’s what happens during the adjustment process:
- Firstly, your doors are opened and archwires are removed.
- Next, a checkup takes place to examine your oral health and how your teeth have been repositioned, and a way forward is determined.
- If necessary, your archwires are changed or brackets are repositioned
- Lastly, your metal archwires are put back onto the metal brackets.
Are There Side Effects of Adjusting Your Braces?
You will undoubtedly feel pressure with each and every appointment and some sensitivity in your teeth, gums, and jaw afterwards. However, the discomfort is relatively mild. The discomfort is more like a feeling of bruising in your teeth instead of aching pain. This discomfort may last a few days, but most people find that pain lessens as treatment progresses.
There can be adverse side effects from not having your braces adjusted for an extended period of time. As mentioned before, without regular adjusting, braces will become ineffective as they need to put the correct amount of pressure on your teeth to reposition them as planned. Avoiding adjusting will only lead to a longer treatment time. Ensure you make all your appointments and follow your treatment plan set out by your orthodontist so your braces are effective.
How Can We Help?
As your treatment progresses, not only will the discomfort and pain from regular braces adjusting decrease, but you will also start to see the results you want.
Find an Orthodontist near you using this link, to see how they can help you! https://caortho.org/locations/?zip=92374&d=5
Source: https://aosmiles.com/what-happens-if-you-dont-get-your-braces-adjusted/