If you have, want, or need braces you may have questions spinning round your head that you want answers to. Look no further, as we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about adult braces so that your curiosity can be satisfied. These questions may also help you determine whether this orthodontic treatment is right for you.

Do braces do anything other than improve my smile?

Braces are great for creating brilliant smiles, but they also bring plenty of other health-related benefits. For example, a straighter smile can help to correct many of the issues that make chewing painful or can cause long-term pain in the jaw. You’ll also see fewer cases of plaque-build-up and gum disease – you’ll also be much happier with the appearance of your smile.

Are braces as painful as they seem?

We’ve all heard the ‘horror stories’ from members of the older generations who explain that their experience with braces as a child was unpleasant. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment has developed a lot since then and we can now use lighter forces to move your teeth over a shorter period of time. After having braces fitted at our practice in Harwood, you can expect your teeth to feel sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment, but your braces shouldn’t cause you massive amounts of discomfort. Eventually your teeth will start to adjust and you’ll get used to how the braces feel in your mouth.

Can I eat what I want with braces?

You won’t be restricted to a strict food diet, but you do need to know what type of foods to stay away from so that your braces do not become loose or damaged. It’s recommended to stay away from these types of consumables:

• Sticky foods, such as chewy sweets and chewing gum.
• Hard foods, such as apples, hard candy, hard baguettes, nuts and ice cubes.
• Crunchy foods, such as, popcorn, pretzels, and crackers.

If you have a question that hasn’t been answered in this blog, feel free to contact us at Harwood Dental. Our team in Bolton will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns. For more information on our braces, take a look at our braces page.

You can also read about how to floss with braces in one of our other blogs.