To many, the idea of getting braces is a very hard concept to grasp. It can be a scary experience if you don’t really know what is going on. It can be costly at times, but the results often pay for themselves. Not only do braces help you look and feel better, but they also serve practical purposes.
Let’s face it, crooked teeth can be quite frustrating. Often times crooked teeth really damper someone’s self esteem when other people may view them as inferior or a problem. Even in cases where a patient has great oral hygiene it doesn’t stop people from making negative comments or observations. In addition to that, crooked teeth can sometimes hurt, be harder to clean, and can provide all sorts of dental problems.
As a result of the negative judgements and hassles that come with crooked teeth, dentists have learned to keep a close eye on teeth as they develop, especially in the childhood years. As soon as adult teeth have started to surface, their development and alignment can be tracked and monitored. If the teeth look like they’re growing in very crooked then they can be addressed early on and prevent any future problems. Because the mouth is still growing during the childhood and adolescent years, the tissues are more flexible and easier to work with.
Despite the fact that your childhood years are the ideal time for braces, people of any age can benefit. There is no age limit to fixing your crooked teeth. Getting braces is an often long process so it’s important to look through and understand as much as possible. Follow the tips and trick in this guide and you’ll know everything you need to know about getting braces.
1.) Braces Have No Age Limit
As we mentioned before, it’s never too late to get braces and this cannot be stressed enough. Many people refrain from getting braces during their childhood or adolescence for a variety of reasons. Many people just don’t like the idea of them at the time or sometimes the process can be too expensive. Later down the road, many people will regret not getting braces and feel they have missed their window. This is just simply not the case. Yes, it is ideal to get braces early on while your mouth is still developing but getting them later is equally as beneficial.
2.) Braces Do More Than Straighten Your Teeth
Yes, one of the huge benefits of getting braces is having straight teeth but that is not all braces have to offer. That is why dentists will examine your mouth for many other problems during a consultation. They may ask you about pain in your jawbone, bleeding gums, and a variety of other common things.
3.) Braces Help Fix Your Bite
Along with checking if your teeth are crooked, your orthodontist will check to see if your bite is aligned properly. When you bite down, your teeth should meet without grinding too much in one spot and without causing any abrasion. There should also not be any big gaps or spaces where your teeth meet. A healthy bite is important because it will prevent your teeth from wearing or getting damaged.
4.) Trust Your Orthodontist
Most people get confused when bouncing back and forth between their regular dentist and their orthodontist. An orthodontist is trained much like a dentist but they specialize in dental movement and the jawbone. This makes them experts at prescribing, fitting, and maintaining your braces. It’s always wise to trust your orthodontist and to take any insights and advice they say very seriously.
5.) Most Consultations Are Free of Charge
If you are curious about getting braces, the good news is that meeting with your orthodontist is most likely free of charge. This means you can see an orthodontist your dentist recommended and see alternatives if you feel it is necessary. It is always a good idea to find an orthodontist you trust and would be comfortable seeing regularly.
6.) Invisible Brackets Aren’t Always Best
One of the more trending options for braces are the invisible brackets. These are braces that are more transparent and will blend in with your teeth more than the standard braces. Invisible brackets are more popular among teenagers who are insecure about having braces and want them to be as least noticeable as possible. These are nice is certain circumstances but aren’t a suitable option for many people. Often times patients will go against their orthodontist’s recommendation because they want the invisible brackets. If your orthodontist suggests something else it is always the best option to listen to him/her.
7.) Braces Can Be Costly
As with most things, cost and treatment times for braces differ significantly. But the unfortunate truth is that braces can be pretty expensive. On average braces can cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000. The invisible brackets however are a little more pricey considering they are more difficult to manufacture. Given the several procedures and constant care that braces require, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. Not to mention the positive effects of braces can last a lifetime.
8.) Expect to Have Braces For At Least Two Years
Like we said before, cost and treatment times vary significantly. However the average time for having braces is around the two year mark. This doesn’t mean you can get them off sooner and it could also mean you have them longer. It all depends on many factors such as how crooked your teeth are, how malleable your gums are and many other things. But if you do decide to pursue braces it’s best to assume you’re going to have them for at least two years. But two years will can last a lifetime.
9.) Switching Orthodontists Is Expensive
A lot of the time people will get braces and then due to life circumstances find themselves having to move. Many times we can’t anticipate what life has in store for us but if you can it’s best to avoid switching orthodontists at all costs. Your orthodontist builds a valuable relationship with you not just because they know you but because they know your teeth. They’ve seen your teeth develop from the start and know what to look for and address. Switching to a new orthodontist means they have no knowledge of your teeth leading up to that moment and it can be very hard for them to adjust. It is also very expensive to switch orthodontists so it’s best to avoid doing this if you can.
10.) Expect Some Discomfort And Soreness
The sad reality is that for your teeth to become aligned they have to be forcibly moved over time and this can cause some pain. The metal poking your gums can also cause some irritation and discomfort. Fortunately there are some pastes and covers you can get so that you can address certain areas of your braces to not poke your mouth as much. Over time though your mouth will get used to it and the discomfort will slowly become more manageable.
All in all despite the few setbacks and inconveniences of braces it is definitely more than worth it to look into them. A temporary discomfort makes up for a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth. For more informative blogs on oral hygiene be sure to check out our other blogs here.