How Do I Know If My Braces Are Working?
It’s the question that every orthodontic patient asks within the first two weeks of treatment. “When do braces start working” or “How do I know if my braces are working?” The short answer is that if your teeth are experiencing any discomfort at all, your braces are working. Although discomfort disappears a few days after every adjustment or Invisalign tray change, the shifting of your teeth is a sign that your braces are working.
How Do I Know If My Braces Are Working?
As the alignment of your teeth and jaw shift with your braces, you may feel some slight discomfort. When that discomfort goes away, it does not mean that your braces are no longer working. Each adjustment of your brackets and wires or change of Invisalign trays causes your teeth to shift slightly. Once they are in a new position, they stop being uncomfortable.
When you get your next adjustment, you will experience the discomfort again. This process will repeat with each adjustment. If you have Invisalign tray aligners, it will happen with each tray change. Although you may not notice any visible change for the first two to three months of treatment, braces begin working immediately.
If your discomfort is painful, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever after adjustments. If you experience extreme pain, please contact Holt Orthodontics immediately. Minor discomfort is normal, but more intense pain may signal a problem. Rest assured, though, that the discomfort is normal and it means your braces are working.
Can I Do Anything to Make My Braces Work Faster?
This is an open-ended question. The answer is both yes and no. Let us explain.
While you can’t actually speed up the duration of your treatment plan, you can do a lot to avoid slowing it down. When you received your braces, you were given a list of foods to avoid. Staying away from those foods ensures that you probably won’t break the wires or dislodge your brackets. That means you will avoid emergency trips to the orthodontist for repairs.
Dental hygiene is another area where you can help your braces work more effectively. By practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, and keeping your braces clear of food particles, your teeth with remain healthy. Healthy teeth and gums will adjust to the new positioning created by the braces.
There are some signs that your braces need repair. Being aware of those and getting them corrected as soon as possible will also help your braces work better. Missing or loose brackets, loose or broken wires, or extreme pain are all reasons to make an extra trip to the orthodontist. Unless your appointment is tomorrow, don’t wait to get your braces repaired.
So, although you can’t really speed up your treatment, you can keep it from lasting longer.
Patience, Your Smile Is Improving
You may not notice any visible changes in the alignment of your teeth for several months after your treatment begins. Because the shifting is gradual, this is normal. After several adjustments, you may begin to see visible signs that your smile is getting straighter. Please don’t be discouraged if you don’t “see” it happening though. Know that your braces are working. At Holt Orthodontics, we offer various types of braces and Invisalign in Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, and Folsom. Schedule your consultation today to begin your journey toward a beautiful and aligned smile. If you have additional questions call or text Holt Orthodontics and our staff will be happy to answer them for you. and
Sacramento — (916) 619-2989
Folsom — (916) 245-7181
Roseville — (916) 586-7424
