How to Get Braces Tightened

Getting your braces tightened is no fun, but it is part of the process of realigning your teeth. Depending on your orthodontist's recommendations, you will need to get your braces tightened about every one to two months. Braces are no longer physically tightened thanks to the advent of thermally reactive brace wire. The wire connecting each brace is soft when cold. Once in your mouth, it heats to body temperature and goes rigid, thus tightening the space between each tooth. When it's time to tighten your braces, your orthodontist will simply replace the old wire with a new, thicker one that exerts a greater force on each tooth once tight.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule a visit with your orthodontist for a tightening.

• 2

  Ask your orthodontist any questions you may have about the tightening procedure before you start.

• 3

  Relax. Your orthodontist will begin by removing the ligatures, or small elastic bands connecting the wire to each brace. Old wires will be removed and replaced with new, thicker ones. The orthodontist will then affix the new wire with new ligatures.

• 4

  Stick to soft foods for the first few days after a tightening. Your mouth will be quite sore as it gets used to its new position.