When do they tighten braces

RSS feed for comments on this post. December 22, Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. Jeffrey Shirck pm. Q1: Why do braces need to be tightened? Q2: How does tightening braces actually work? Your orthodontist will start by removing all of the rubber bands from the brackets that are holding the wire in place. Your orthodontist will look at the position of the teeth, check how they have moved, and determine whether or not a new wire is needed.

Effective pain relief ideas include:. We recommend soft foods such as:. Braces require regular maintenance — but a memorable smile is more than worth it. Eager to explore your options? Click here to search for an orthodontist near you now. January 27, How often should I have my braces tightened?

Why do I need to get my braces adjusted? Side-effects of braces tightening How to tighten your braces How to relieve braces tightening pain Things to eat when you get your braces tightened We explore the ins and outs of braces tightening below. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Thinking about getting braces? It takes between one to two hours to have braces put on your teeth. First, your orthodontist puts bands around your back molars.

Your orthodontist glues brackets onto each of your teeth, and then connects the brackets with wires. Finally, everything is secured with elastic bands. Within a few hours, you will begin to develop some pain and soreness in your teeth and gums. This pain will probably last about a week. During that time, you will be getting used to the feeling of your new braces. The wires and rubber bands put pressure on your teeth to slowly straighten them.

This pressure takes some time to get used to. Typically, this pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen Tylenol.

Stick to soft, no-chew foods for the first week, such as soup, yogurt, and ice cream. Cold drinks and smoothies can also sooth inflamed gums. Most people get used to their braces in about a month. After six months, you may not even notice them. Although, it is normal to experience some soreness from time to time. Braces fix alignment problems by putting constant pressure on your teeth.

Over time, your teeth move into a straighter position. Most people wear braces for about two years. When you have braces, you need to visit your orthodontist every few weeks for adjustments. At these appointments, your orthodontist evaluates your teeth and checks on the amount of pressure the braces are producing. As your teeth move and the tension decreases, the braces lose effectiveness.