Emilia's Journey with Braces: Insights and Tips for Overcoming Orthodontic Anxiety
At iDental Orthodontics and General Dentistry in Racine, Wisconsin, we've had the pleasure of helping countless patients achieve their dream smiles through personalized orthodontic care. Today, we're sharing a special story from one of our patients, Emilia, who recently completed her journey with braces. Her experience sheds light on the realities of orthodontic treatment, including the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Understanding the Decision
Emilia's decision to get braces stemmed from a desire to address several dental issues that were affecting her confidence and oral health. "I decided to get braces because my teeth were misaligned and had crowding on the bottom, overbite, and crossbite on the top," Emilia explains. After noticing her teeth had relapsed from previous orthodontic work due to a lost retainer, she knew it was time to revisit orthodontic care.
Choosing the Right Clinic
The choice of where to receive treatment is critical. For Emilia, the decision was easy. "My parents had come here before, and then I started coming here. I hated my teeth, I hated the way I smiled, so I set up another consultation to get it fixed," she says. Emilia's trust in our clinic's staff and our state-of-the-art treatment options made her feel comfortable and supported throughout her treatment.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Getting braces as an adult brought its set of challenges and adjustments for Emilia. She recounts her initial appointment, "When I first came in for the consultation, I had to be up to date with all my exams, cleanings, and had to have no cavities by the start of ortho treatment." This comprehensive preparation ensured that her treatment would proceed without any complications.
Managing Dental Anxiety and Discomfort
One of the hurdles many patients face with braces is managing the discomfort and anxiety that can come with adjustments. Emilia shares her strategies, "To deal with discomfort, I used orthodontic wax over the brackets that were cutting, and Ora-Gel mouthwash that helped numb and relieve pain."
Additionally, keeping up with oral hygiene was crucial. Emilia used an Oral-B IO toothbrush with special heads designed for orthodontic care, which helped maintain her oral health during treatment.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Dietary changes were also necessary. Emilia notes, "I couldn’t eat any sticky candies like Starburst or gum. I mainly ate soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and ice cream right after adjustments because my teeth were shifting."
The Role of Support and Routine Care
Having a support system and following the prescribed care routine played a significant role in her treatment success. "Be compliant with your orthodontic treatment and listen to your orthodontist," Emilia advises. Wearing retainers post-treatment is crucial to prevent teeth from moving back to their original position.
Reflections on the Journey
Reflecting on her experience, Emilia expresses satisfaction with the outcome despite the challenges, "My expectations were met exceptionally well. My teeth were straightened out, and I was happy with that." However, she also learned that some anatomical limitations couldn't be addressed without more invasive procedures, which she opted not to pursue.
Final Thoughts and Advice
Emilia’s journey underscores the importance of commitment and following professional advice during orthodontic treatment. "Wear your retainers, and don't lose them—that’s a good one," she chuckles. It's advice that resonates with anyone considering or currently undergoing treatment.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment or are looking for ways to manage dental anxiety, contact us at iDental Orthodontics and General Dentistry. Let us help you achieve a smile that you can be proud of, just like Emilia, and contact iDental Orthodontics and General Dentistry today to discuss how we can support you in achieving your dental health goals!