Braces Adjustment Process Liverpool: What Happens at Each Visit
When your child or teenager gets braces, the day they are fitted is just the beginning of the journey. To keep their teeth moving steadily toward that perfect smile, they will need to visit the clinic regularly for adjustments. For many parents and kids, these ongoing appointments can seem a bit mysterious. What exactly is the dentist doing in there? At Your Family Dentist Liverpool, we believe in keeping our patients fully informed. Here is our complete guide to the braces adjustment process in Liverpool.
Why Are Adjustments Necessary?
To understand the adjustment process, it helps to understand how braces work. The brackets glued to your child’s teeth do not actually move the teeth; they are simply handles. The real work is done by the archwire that connects the brackets.
According to Your Family Dentist Liverpool, when a new archwire is placed, it wants to return to its original, perfect U-shape. As it tries to straighten out, it applies gentle, continuous pressure to the brackets, slowly pushing the teeth into alignment. However, once the teeth have moved to match the shape of that specific wire, the pressure stops. If we don’t adjust or change the wire, the teeth will stop moving. Regular adjustments are essential to keep the treatment progressing.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During an Adjustment
Adjustment appointments are usually scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your child’s specific treatment plan. The appointments are generally quite short, usually lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. Here is exactly what happens:
1. Progress Check
First, the dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth to see how much they have moved since the last visit. We will check the alignment, the bite, and ensure everything is tracking according to the treatment plan.
2. Removing the Old Parts
The dentist or dental assistant will remove the tiny elastic bands (ligatures) that hold the archwire to the brackets. Once the elastics are off, the old archwire is carefully removed.
3. Oral Hygiene Check and Clean
With the wire out of the way, this is the perfect time for a quick hygiene check. We will look for any signs of plaque buildup or early decay around the brackets. If necessary, we may perform a quick professional clean or give your child some tips on how to improve their brushing technique at home.
4. Placing the New Wire
Based on the progress check, the dentist will select a new archwire. Early in the treatment, the wires are very thin and highly flexible to untwist crooked teeth. As treatment progresses, the wires become thicker and stiffer to close gaps and perfect the bite. The new wire is placed into the slots of the brackets.
5. Adding New Elastics
Finally, new elastic ligatures are placed over the brackets to secure the wire. This is the fun part for many kids, as they get to choose new colours for their braces! If your child has clear ceramic braces, we will apply fresh, clear elastics to maintain the invisible look.
Managing Discomfort After an Adjustment
It is completely normal for your child’s teeth to feel sore, tender, or sensitive for 2 to 3 days after an adjustment. This means the new wire is doing its job and applying the necessary pressure to move the teeth.
To manage this discomfort, we recommend sticking to a soft diet (soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt) for the first 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can also be very effective. If the new wire is poking the back of their cheek, applying a small piece of orthodontic wax will provide immediate relief.
Your Trusted Family Dentist in Liverpool
Because we are a family dental practice, we don’t just adjust your child’s braces; we monitor their overall oral health throughout the entire orthodontic journey, ensuring their newly straightened smile is also perfectly healthy and cavity-free.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Consultation
Are you considering braces for your child? Let our experienced team guide you through the process from start to finish.
Book a consultation at Your Family Dentist Liverpool — call us today on (02) 7256 4979 to discuss your child’s orthodontic needs.