How To Overcome Your Fear Of Braces
January 19, 2023
We all want straight teeth. But the fear of braces put on your teeth is common among people of all ages considering orthodontic care. The thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth for months or even years can be overwhelming and cause feelings of self-consciousness & embarrassment.
However, it is important to remember that braces are a highly effective way to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Therefore, the benefits of orthodontic treatment far outweigh any temporary discomfort or insecurity. So let’s find out how you can overcome your fear of braces!
Is It Normal To Be Scared Of Getting Braces?
Fear of having braces is common throughout the world. Therefore, being open about your concerns with your orthodontist is important. By addressing your anxiety, you can better understand your options and gain confidence in your orthodontic plan.
How Do I Stop Being Scared Of Braces?
One way to stop being scared of braces is to educate yourself about the process and benefits of getting braces. You can talk to your orthodontist about the procedure, including how long it typically takes and any potential pain or discomfort you may experience.
How Do I Calm Down Before Getting Braces?
There are multiple ways to lessen your anxiety and reduce your fear of braces. It can be different for every person, but here are a few things you can do:
- Meditate
- Practice various breathing exercises
- Be honest and talk to those around you
- Do something fun to distract your mind
- Do something active to fight your fear of braces
What Age Is Not Good For Braces?
None; no specific age is considered “bad” for getting braces. Braces can treat various orthodontic issues for patients of all ages. However, braces are commonly recommended for kids and teens because it’s a good time for them to receive treatment. Their teeth and jaws are still developing, but adults can also benefit from them.
It’s important to note that it can take longer for teeth straightening as you age, and the treatment may be more complex. Also, adults may have more difficulty adjusting to the changes in their bite and may experience more discomfort or pain. However, orthodontic treatment can still be successful at any age.
Are Braces Supposed To Hurt? Do Braces Always Hurt?
Yes, but don’t let this add to your fear of braces. It won’t be significant, and it won’t last forever. The pain comes from your mouth adjusting to the changes caused by your braces properly, aligning your smile.
How Long Do Braces Hurt?
Discomfort and some pain should only be present right after your braces are set and again after adjustments are made to your braces or rubber bands. However, if you experience pain and discomfort after four to five days, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist. In other words, if your fear of braces lies in pain, you can rest easy, knowing this is only temporary and the pain is minor.
How Can I Make My Braces Stop Hurting?
While there is pain or discomfort that can come with braces, there are also ways to reduce this. So you can reduce your fear of braces knowing that the following can help with pain:
- Over-the-counter medicine such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Ice water and or an ice pack
- Soft foods and smoothies
- Good dental hygiene
- Oral anesthetics
Can You Play Sports With Braces? How Do You Protect Your Braces While You Play Sports?
Yes! You may have a fear of braces because you’re active in sports and don’t want to quit. Well, don’t worry. You can play sports while wearing braces. In addition, your orthodontist can provide you with a custom-fitted orthopedic mouthguard to fit comfortably over your braces.
It’s also important to be extra careful when playing contact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer, as these activities carry a higher risk of injury to the mouth and face.
Will I Ever Be Able To Eat With Braces?
Another common fear of braces and not knowing what you and can’t eat while wearing braces. The good news is that you will be able to eat with braces. However, there may be some adjustments to your diet during the treatment.
For example, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can damage or dislodge the braces. Such as hard and sticky foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and gum. Also, it’s best to avoid foods high in sugar or acid. Because they can cause tooth decay and damage your braces. Finally, it’s important to remember that food caught in your braces will be common & is nothing to stress about.
Do Braces Give A Lisp?
Braces can temporarily cause a lisp, a speech disorder characterized by difficulty pronouncing the “s” and “z” sounds. Still, it’s not a common or permanent side effect. Developing a lisp is also a common fear of braces. A lisp can occur when the tongue, teeth, or lips are not positioned correctly while speaking, which can happen when the teeth and jaw are adjusted during orthodontic treatment.
However, most people who develop a lisp while wearing braces will adjust to speaking normally within a few weeks or months. Another reason not to be afraid of braces.
Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist
When considering getting braces, it is a good idea to ask your orthodontist the following questions:
- What braces are available, and which do you recommend for my specific needs?
- How long will the treatment take?
- How often will I need to visit the office for adjustments?
- Will there be any pain or discomfort associated with the treatment? If so, how can it be managed?
- How should I care for my braces and teeth during the treatment?
- Will there be any limitations on the types of food I can eat while wearing braces?
- Are there any potential complications that could arise during the treatment?
- What will my teeth look like after the treatment is complete?
- Will I need to wear a retainer after the braces are removed?
It’s also important to ask any other questions about the process or any fear of braces you have.
Pick The Right Treatment For You
Choosing the right braces treatment for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. The most common braces include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and invisible aligners. Each type of braces has its advantages & disadvantages that you can review with your orthodontist. Having this conversation can help eliminate your fear of braces and fear of the unknown.
In The End, You Will Have A Beautiful Smile!
Talk to your orthodontist about your fear of braces if you are considering orthodontic treatment. They’ll be able to provide you with detailed information about the treatment plan, the expected length of treatment, and the cost of treatment.
With the help of your orthodontist, you can overcome your fear of having braces, achieve a beautiful smile, and gain the confidence that comes with it.
Find An Orthodontist You Trust
It’s important to find the right orthodontist if you haven’t already. The right orthodontist will help you overcome your fear of braces and educate you throughout the whole process. After all, it’s important to feel comfortable. The more you know, the more ease you’ll feel.
Orthodontic Arts, your number one Orthodontist in OKC. Our Certified Orthodontist provides the latest and greatest Orthodontic practices to our clients in the OKC and Midtown area. Orthodontic Arts is the best place for child and teen orthodontics as well as adult orthodontics. Be sure to ask about Invisalign and invisible braces! Contact us today at (405) 604-3745 or request an appointment.