Now that I am in my late 20s, I really think getting orthodontic treatment while I was a high school student, before entering university, was one of the best things I ever did. That was the darkest chapter of my life. As I recall those memories, the doctor said that when you get an orthodontic consultation, they check not only the alignment of the teeth but also the temporomandibular joint condition, chewing habits, sleeping posture, and gum condition.
In my case, I had the habit of chewing only on one side and sleeping on the same side, so I was told that could affect the TMJ and facial asymmetry. I was also told that the treatment plan for protruding teeth and the changes after orthodontics can differ depending on whether the cause is the gums or the teeth. In my case, the protrusion was dental, so I was informed that improvement would be possible with orthodontic treatment alone.
Right after the appliance was attached, it did not hurt much, but after about 3 to 6 hours, the pain started. For the first few days, soft foods like porridge, steamed eggs, and silken tofu were easier to eat. During treatment, they explained several times that oral hygiene management was the most important part, and that using an orthodontic toothbrush together with interdental brushes to clean around the brackets thoroughly would help prevent cavities and staining.
Because I did not have enough space for my teeth, I had two teeth extracted from the upper jaw and two from the lower jaw, and then underwent treatment to close the extraction spaces using mini-screws and elastics. They said screws can rarely come loose and need to be reinserted, and that closing the spaces takes time before visible changes appear.
After the orthodontic treatment ends, you wear a retainer. I was told to wear it continuously for the first year except during meals, and after that to wear it while sleeping. While wearing the retainer, you can only drink water, so you must remove it when eating or drinking anything else, and it is best to carry the case when going out. I was also advised to avoid hard or chewy foods and the habit of biting food off with the front teeth whenever possible. Because orthodontics is a long-term treatment, I felt that steady care and regular visits matter more than the pain.