You shouldn’t feel pain when you’re having braces installed. But in the days following initial placement and during and after adjustments, they can feel uncomfortable. The pain of braces feels like a dull soreness or throbbing. If you have pain after having braces, put in, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, with your dentists’ advice, for relief.

In general, if you have healthy gums age is not a barrier and starting from age 7 anybody can get braces. however, if you’re pregnant or thinking of trying to get pregnant, you should talk with your OB-GYN about how braces could affect your pregnancy.

You may also want to speak with your primary doctor if you have underlying health issues that you’re concerned could be affected.

Treatment lengths vary for every person, but typically people wear braces for one to three years. By following the instructions of your orthodontist carefully, you can ensure that you’re wearing your braces for the shortest time span that is possible.

Mini-braces are smaller than traditional braces. They don’t go around individual teeth, which means they take up less space in your mouth. If you qualify for mini-braces, they may speed up your treatment time. If you’re wondering if you could be a candidate, speak with your orthodontist.

After you get braces, you’ll also need to avoid certain foods that can become trapped between the braces and your gumline. These foods include:

• hard candy
• popcorn
• chewing gum

It’s important to be extra mindful about your oral care when you have braces. Brushing after meals will keep food from becoming lodged in between your braces and your teeth. You may want to purchase Water Floss that can navigate easily around your braces and help reach areas that are hard to clean. A special device called an interdental toothbrush can be used to clean underneath and around archieves and brackets. While you have braces, you should still schedule an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning every six months to a year.