Oh and I'm not sure if braces are just pieces of metal tightened on your teeth. Is there a difference between these and spacers and retainers? How long do you usually leave it on? Any help, tips, suggestions from experience is greatly appreciated.
2007-08-20 22:03:58 · 5 answers · asked by timetraveler7000 4 in Health ➔ Dental
They just basically hurt for two weeks. Then you get food stuck occasionally in them. No biggy. I'm getting mine off in 2 days. I lived through it so can you.
2007-08-20 22:28:55 · answer #1 · answered by willy d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces are pieces of metal that make your teeth straight. On each of your teeth, you get a "bracket", and then the brackets are connected together with a wire. When the orthodontist makes adjustments on the wire, it will change the alignment of your teeth very slowly so that they become straight over time. The amount of time depends on your teeth. After the teeth are straight, the wires and brackets will be removed.
A retainer is an appliance that you usually wear after you get braces. Since your teeth could still move around after the braces are removed, the retainer is a piece of plastic and metal that you wear on your teeth to help the teeth stay in their new position. A big difference between a retainer and braces is that a retainer is removable, but your orthodontist will probably instruct you to wear it basically all the time for a while.
Spacers are very small rubber bands that the orthodontist can put in between your teeth to create a space between them. He/she might want to create a space for the retainer to fit into so it'll stay in your mouth. These rubber bands usually create a space and then fall out after a few days.
Feel free to ask questions to the doctor when you are at the office tomorrow. Many people get braces and it might be a little uncomfortable but it's not really dangerous. I had braces for about two years and I wore a retainer for many years after that. I'm grateful that I have straight teeth. Just follow the instructions that you get from the doctor and you'll be fine!
2007-08-20 22:21:06 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces don't hurt. Only when they tighten it every month, it feels sore for a while.
Spacers are these elastic bands that separate your teeth a little so they can make room for the metal bands they will put in your back teeth. They stay in for about a week or so before you get your braces.
Retainers are worn after braces. It prevents your teeth from moving to their original position before you corrected it with braces.
Braces don't make a big difference in your life. When you get used to it, you won't even notice it sometimes. It's only a few years, and your teeth will be good-looking.
2007-08-20 23:57:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. they just make your teeth really straight.
i had really crooked teeth, i wore braces, and now i have perfectly straight teeth.
you will only wear retainers after you remove your braces. it helps you to keep the shape of your straighted teeth.
well, i had my braces on for about a year. if your teeth are in really really really bad shape, then probably two years or more.
dont worry. the first few days would be uncomfortable, but after that, you wont be able to feel it in your mouth.
trust me.
&&, remember to eat soft food.
oh, and dont eat garlic bread at all. it's too hard for your braces. your brackets may come out.
2007-08-20 22:13:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces should be fine. You can still eat with them. Don't worry, you'll live. At first, it may seem a little getting used to but you're get used to it. Brush your teeth, floss, and take care of your teeth and you'll have them off in no time.
2007-08-20 22:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋