Braces

There are many types of treatments that can help in straightening teeth. The teeth that are crooked or misaligned bite such as an underbite or overbite, then these conditions can be treated using braces and retainers. Many general dentists treat basic alignment and orthodontics, but orthodontists are those dentists who are specialized in correcting any kind of tooth irregularities.

What is the procedure for placing braces?

During your first visit, the dentist gives a comprehensive evaluation and a treatment plan. You can discuss the concerns that you have about your teeth. The dentist then takes the initial records, which include digital x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth. 

According to the treatment plan, spacers are placed between your molars for about a week. They create small spaces between your teeth to put the molar bands. When you come for the next appointment, these spacers are removed and replaced with molar bands. In some cases, this step may be omitted, and braces might be placed instantly.

During the final appointment, the orthodontist places the new braces. The dentist provides necessary instructions to care for the braces as well as the kind of food that you need to avoid.

What are the foods that you can eat with your braces on?

The food items that you can have even if you have braces are, as follows:

• The dairy items like milk-based drinks, soft cheese, pudding 
• The varieties of bread which include pancakes, soft tortillas, muffins without nuts
• Certain types of grains like soft cooked rice, pasta 
• The meat items like meatballs, soft cooked chicken, lunch meats or seafood including tuna, crab cakes, salmon
• You can have specific vegetables especially steamed spinach, mashed potatoes, beans
• You can have easy to chew fruits including bananas, applesauce, fruit juice
• You can even treat yourself with ice cream without nuts, Jell-O, milkshakes, soft cake

How to care for the braces?

You need to care for your braces really well to have straighter teeth. Follow the steps below:

• Follow the instructions given by your dentist.
• Visit your dentist regularly to check if your braces are in the right position or if they need some adjustments.
• Avoid eating chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods.
• If any sports emergency pops up, then immediately check your mouth and braces for damage.

Call us (664) 685-6460 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Lamas for a consultation at our office in Tijuana Baja California, México.