If braces are in your immediate future, a little prep work will make a significant difference. Both traditional metal versions and Invisalign® can correct various dental issues, including overbites, crooked teeth, and tooth gaps, but they can also create a bit of discomfort. To ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your dental appointment and afterward, follow these steps.

How to Get Ready for Braces

1. Purchase Supplies

Buy products that'll make taking care of your braces easy, including orthodontic wax to relieve soft tissue irritation, over-the-counter pain medication and numbing solutions to help manage discomfort, and floss designed for aligners. If you need recommendations regarding any of these products, ask your dentist.

2. Stock Up on the Right Foods

Fill your refrigerator and pantry with soft foods that don't require excessive chewing, which can bend wires and damage brackets. All hard, sticky, and crunchy foods must be avoided to keep your braces in good condition, including nuts, popcorn, caramel, and hard candy.

Eliminate sugary foods that can get stuck in metal components and promote decay, and puree raw vegetables and fruits, so you get nutrients but don't have to bite down. Soft fruits such as bananas can be consumed without pureeing.

3. Maintain Oral Hygiene

Remain diligent about dental care in the weeks leading up to your appointment, so the braces won't get placed over bacteria and plaque. Then, follow your dentist's instructions regarding oral hygiene once the braces are in place to avoid tooth decay and gum disease symptoms.

4. Breathe Deeply

Remember to relax with deep breathing techniques or anything else that helps you feel calm. Remind yourself that any pain or discomfort is temporary, and the results are forever. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your dentist before the treatment to help you stay relaxed.

If you’re ready to improve your smile with braces or Invisalign, contact the skilled dentists at Syracuse Straight Smiles in Liverpool, NY. This dental practice has been serving residents throughout Syracuse and Onondaga counties since 2004. Offering convenient evening hours, this office also has an on-call doctor for dental emergencies. Call (315) 628-8373 today to schedule a free consultation.