How Often Do I Need My Braces tightened?

Bailey Orthodontics thrives on being the best orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX, but we do more than that. We love helping our community become their best selves, even if it’s just improving their smile. Our staff’s culture and diversity are our strengths, which help us stand apart from competitors. We believe our patients enjoy seeing that, too. So, if you need braces or brace adjustments during your visit, we are the ones to call on.

Is Brace Tightening Necessary? How Often Should You Do This?

Brace tightening is necessary. Tight braces gently apply pressure to teeth to move them to a particular area. Loose wires slow down the progress. The average time to get results is 2–3 years, and loose wires or brackets without an orthodontist checkup mean you wear them longer.

The orthodontist will tell you when to return based on your progress, so your time length varies. However, the average time is between 4-6 weeks, but it can go up to six months.

How Do You Tighten Flower Mound Braces?

We take off the rubber bands to examine your teeth. The orthodontist will compare the tooth positioning and progress this time to the last time. That is also the time to identify and correct oral health problems. Broken archwire or brackets may need a replacement. When everything is complete, the orthodontist will tighten the old or new archwire and add fresh rubber bands. Contact our office to schedule an appointment to tighten your Flower Mound braces.

What About Pain After Brace Tightening?

Pain, soreness, irritation, or discomfort after brace tightening can occur. It lasts between one and three days. It mostly happens with new patients wearing braces for the first time. Your teeth have trouble adjusting to the pressure, hence the pain. However, it will get better after six months. Existing patients who have worn braces for a while can still feel the side effects. Try these solutions to ease the pain until it subsides. We may have additional tips not mentioned here.

• drink cold water
• eat soft, mushy, and liquid food
• put an ice pack on the jawline and cheeks
• be gentle doing your oral health routine
• take pain relief medication only if your pain is unbearable

Braces may feel uneasy, but we will make the experience enjoyable. What we want you to focus on is how your teeth are going to improve your appearance and self-confidence. When you do your part with oral health, we can do our part in straightening your teeth. The results will stay long after the discomfort and uneasiness leave. Contact the best orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX, Bailey Orthodontics, for more information.