If you are wanting to improve your smile, depending on your goals, traditional braces might be the best solution for you. While you might be hesitant about getting braces because of your age, many adults are getting the procedure done. Braces provide patients with many benefits that make this treatment worthwhile. Before you take the plunge, there are some additional things you should know when it comes to braces.

1. What Are Traditional Braces and How Do They Work?
Traditional braces are typically metal brackets that are connected with wires and glued to your teeth. The wires are tightened in order to maintain pressure on your teeth which helps to realign them over a period of time. When it comes to getting traditional braces in Ottawa, be prepared to wear them for quite some time. Although it depends on a case-by-case basis, the average person has braces for about 16-24 months.

2. What to Expect with Traditional Braces
Not only does the procedure take some time to complete but getting adjusted to wearing braces can take time as well. In order to fully prepare you for getting traditional braces in Ottawa, here are some things you should expect:

• They can be uncomfortable at first: When you first have them installed or retightened, you can expect to feel some pressure or discomfort. This typically goes away after a couple of days but might interfere with your ability to eat at a normal pace.
• You might find it difficult to chew: When you first get braces and have your follow up appointments, you may find discomfort in chewing food. However, after a few hours you will find that your mouth adjusts. 
• Certain foods are off limits: The last thing you want to do is eat anything that is hard or sticky. These types of foods can get stuck in your brackets or even cause them to break.
• They require a little extra care: With braces, you have to go a little beyond your normal oral care routine simply because of all the extra parts in your mouth. Adding an oral irrigator to your regimen can help you remove food particles from your brackets.

3. How to Care for Traditional Braces
While it is important that you clean your braces properly, you also want to ensure that you do not loosen any of your brackets. You should start by rinsing your mouth really well with warm water, so you can loosen any food particles. When brushing, use a toothbrush that has soft bristles, and clean each tooth thoroughly. Floss and gargle with mouth wash each night using products that are recommended by your orthodontist.

4. Who Are Traditional Braces For?
Whether you have crooked teeth or an overbite, braces can help you get the smile you desire. In most cases, many people get braces, so they can fix crooked teeth. However, braces can be used in treating gaps, underbites, overbites, misaligned jaws, et cetera. Certain misalignments can not only be a cosmetic nuisance, but actually interfere with eating, cause headaches, and other medical issues. If you suffer from misaligned teeth, you should contact the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to discuss your options.

5. What Else You Should Know About Traditional Braces
As important as it is to know how to care for your braces, you must know how to maintain your smile once they are off. Too often people see their smile revert simply because they failed to wear their retainer at night. While it might not be the most comfortable thing to do, imagine how uncomfortable it would be to start again. You should only use products that your orthodontist recommends to you and follow all post-care instructions if you want your smile to last.

Braces have become popular amongst the years as they provide patients with a plethora of benefits. Aside from a straight smile, braces help fix dental issues that may be affecting one’s day to day life. If you are unhappy with your teeth, jaw, or overall smile visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. To schedule an appointment and discuss if braces are the right treatment for you, contact us today!