Today I’m sharing some things to know before getting braces. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re researching getting braces – either for yourself or your child. I had “train track” braces myself, back in the 1990s, and my teeth are once again all crooked, because my retainer broke and I didn’t bother getting it replaced. So with that in mind, I wanted to share some things to know before getting braces.

Before I go into detail about my experience and the things to know before getting braces, I want to explain why people get braces and what options are available.

Different Types of Braces

In the UK, the most used type of braces is the traditional “train track” style – Also known as metal braces. Keep reading to find out about the different types of braces available in the UK.

Metal Braces

When you think of braces, traditional metal braces are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Your metal braces are likely to be made up of stainless steel bands, brackets and wires that gradually move your teeth over time.

A dentist or orthodontist will bond or glue a bracket to each tooth, then thread a thin, flexible arch wire through the brackets. Tiny elastic bands called ligatures then hold the wire in place. When the wearer smiles,  their metal braces are visible.  The elastic bands can be any colour, depending if you want to minimise the look of your braces, or embrace them.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are pretty much like traditional braces, except they are glued  the backs of your teeth, not the fronts. Most people who opt for lingual braces opt for them because they don’t want others to be able to tell they have braces.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces look similar to conventional metal braces. The main difference is that they have a built-in system of their own to hold the arch wire in place, instead of ligatures (small elastic bands).

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, also known as “invisible braces,” are an alternative to traditional braces. Instead of brackets and wires, clear aligners involves patients wearing a series of custom-made trays, which gradually straighten their teeth over time. One of my friends recently got Invisalign in Norwich, and she said so far, it’s going great.

With these systems, you wear each set of aligner trays for around two weeks. Then you switch those trays for the next in the series. Clear aligners, as opposed to metal braces, can be removed. But you have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. You should only take your aligners out only to eat, drink and brush your teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces (sometimes called clear braces) are just like metal braces. The main difference is the brackets, wires and ligatures are tooth coloured so they blend in with your smile. Ceramic braces are still seen, but they’re not as obvious. The downside of ceramic braces is that they are more fragile than metal braces so are more likely to break.

Now we’ve covered the different types of braces available in the UK, let’s look at the things to know before getting braces…

Things to Know Before Getting Braces

Back in 1996 when I first saw an orthodontist, my teeth were all over the place. I always had a huge gap between my front teeth, as well as a large overbite, so my top teeth stuck out a lot. I had to have surgery to remove excess gum from between my front teeth before they could even consider installing my metal braces. I then had a palette expander for a year or so, which expanded my upper jaw, to allow more room for my teeth to be positioned into by the braces.

Once I was done with that step, it was time for my metal braces to be fitted. This is where my tips come from. So without further ado, let’s dive into the things to know before getting braces…

1. The metal brackets can cut into your lip and inner cheek, causing pain and ulcers. Buy orthodontic wax to prevent this, or to allow your sores to heal.
2. You’ll be in a good amount of pain for a few days, each time your braces are tightened up, so make sure you’re stocked up on paracetamol and soft food for those days.
3. Chewing gum will stick to the wires and brackets, so it’s best avoided.
4. Clear elastics become stained by foods, so if you want to keep your braces looking fresh, opt for grey elastics.
5. Once your braces are removed, you’ll be given a retainer to keep your teeth straight – You MUST wear this, or your teeth will end up crooked again like mine.

So there you have it! Five things to know before getting braces. Can you think of any other things to add to the list? If I was paying for braces now, I’d definitely be opting for Invisalign, as this is a much more aesthetic option, and your treatment is usually faster than with traditional braces too. Finally, this post on tips to help your child prepare for their first visit to the dentist, may be useful.