Getting
braces can be a daunting experience. But it doesn’t have to be scary.
With the right information and advice, dental braces can be a walk in
the park.
Crooked teeth can be a real problem, no matter how old you are or what
condition your mouth is in. The biggest blow is to self-esteem, because
misaligned and unusually placed teeth are considered to be inferior.
Even if a patient has great oral hygiene, it doesn’t stop people from
making negative judgements about crooked gnashers.
This is why dentists keep such a close eye on the development of adult
teeth, in children. As soon as the permanent teeth have begun to emerge,
their growth and formation can be tracked, in order to make sure that
they are completely healthy. If crooked teeth are found, childhood is
the perfect time for corrective measures to be put in place.
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The mouth is still growing, so the tissues are more malleable and
flexible than they would be in an adult. It is much better for a child
if crooked teeth can be fixed before the onset of adolescence, because
this is a time when appearance means everything. Imperfect, stained,
broken, or misaligned teeth are likely to lead to social and emotional
challenges.
Many teenagers dread being told that they need dental braces and some
refuse to wear them altogether. While modern braces are a lot less
conspicuous than some of the older products, they are still visible and
they can cause problems for self-conscious teens. So, avoid the drama
and keep a close eye on your child’s dental health. Visit the dentist
regularly and any signs of trouble will be treated before they become a
major problem.
This guide to some of the most important things to know about dental
braces will help you to prepare for them, no matter how old you are.
You Can Have Braces At Any Age
Dental braces are most commonly associated with teenagers, simply
because this is when most people first notice their crooked teeth. There
is no age limit for this kind of corrective treatment though, so don’t
be put off by the stereotypes. You can use braces to correct misaligned
teeth at any age, just so long as your teeth and gums are reasonably
strong. Dental braces are not suitable for patients with weakened gums
or poor dental health.
This is because they place a lot of extra pressure on the gums.
Naturally, you need to have tough, robust, and flexible gum tissue that
is able to bounce back if you want to wear braces. It is becoming
increasingly common for adults to be fitted with braces. Many of these
people saw a need for corrective treatment as children, but their
families could not afford it. They turn to braces in adulthood to try
and fix the crooked teeth that are holding back their confidence.
Straight Teeth Are Not Everything
The assumption is that braces are all about giving a patient perfectly
straight teeth. While this is one of the main aims of wearing them, it
is not the only objective. Dental braces achieve a lot more. This is
why, when a patient attends a consultation for braces, their
orthodontist examines their mouth for a lot of different issues. They
will ask a lot of questions, but what they are trying to do is build up
a comprehensive oral review.
They might ask if you ever experienced pain in the jawbone. Do you ever
have any problems with bleeding gums? Do any of your teeth feel loose or
jagged? Can you stick your tongue out of the front of your teeth?
Whatever your orthodontist asks you, they are asking for a good reason,
so give an honest answer. Be patient and try not to fidget as they check
your mouth for crowded teeth, gaps in the gum line, and impacted teeth.
Your Bite May Also Need to Be Fixed
As well as determining whether your teeth are straight, your
orthodontist will check to see if your bite is healthy. The ‘bite’ is
what happens when you close your two rows of teeth and then open them up
again. When you do this, the rows should meet, but not grind or exhibit
too much abrasion. Similarly, there should be no big gaps anywhere along
the line where the two rows of teeth meet.
This is an important part of making sure that your mouth functions
correctly. Issues with your bite can lead to TMJ related headaches and
problems with chewing and speaking, if left untreated. So, remember that
orthodontist appointments are about more than just deciding whether or
not you need braces. They can mean the difference between a quick fix
for a minor dysfunction and an unnoticed problem that turns into a major
challenge.
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Your Orthodontist is an Expert
The relationship between orthodontists and regular dentists can be an
unnecessarily confusing one sometimes. In simple terms, an orthodontist
is specially trained in dental movement and the function of the jawbone.
So, they know all of the things that a regular dentist does, but their
specialist subject is how the teeth move in the mouth. This makes them
the perfect choice for prescribing, fitting, and monitoring dental
braces.
In some cases, dentists offer to fit braces themselves. They might tell
a patient that it is the more cost efficient way to do things or that it
will be quicker than waiting in line to see an orthodontist. While this
is not always a bad thing to do, the reality is that dentists don’t have
the same training as orthodontists. There is always a chance that your
dentist could fit the braces wrong and you’d have to pay more to get
them fixed. So, do it properly first time around.
Most Consultations Are Free
The great thing about visiting the orthodontist for the first time is
that most do not charge for a consultation. This means that patients can
see the specialist recommended by their own dentist, but also visit a
second or a third if they feel it necessary. You can have as many
consultations as you need, in order to find an orthodontist that you are
comfortable with.
This is important, because wearing braces is a long term measure. It
involves lots of follow up appointments, lots of visits for adjustments,
and it requires you to stay in touch with your specialist. So, you do
want an orthodontist who keeps you relaxed and happy. Usually, the
specialist recommended by a dentist is the best person for the job, but
it does help to have a little freedom and flexibility.
Don’t Fixate on Invisible Brackets
Modern dentists are running into issues, these days, with patients who
don’t really listen to their recommendations. They want dental braces
that look as inconspicuous as possible. While this is understandable –
and there are special ‘concealed’ braces – they are not always the most
suitable choice. Invisible bracket braces are designed to blend in with
teeth, so they are popular with teenagers. However, only a small
percentage of patients are compatible with the plastic brackets and
aligners.
It can be difficult, especially for young people, to be told that the
most ‘stylish’ option is not the best, but the final results speak
volumes. In the long run, you are going to have straighter teeth, a
healthier mouth, and a more beautiful smile if you accept the treatments
that your dentist advises. If you insist on an option that is
unsuitable, you could just end up having to switch to metal brackets
later on anyway. And, you will have to wear braces for twice as long as
originally prescribed.
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Cost and Treatment Times Differ
The bad news is that dental braces don’t really come cheap. They can be
a costly treatment option, but since they are usually an essential one,
there are lots of dental membership plans and payments schemes to help
patients meet the expense. The important thing to know is that costs
vary wildly. The typical cost of braces depends on the location, the
clinic, the age of the patient, and whether or not there are any other
complicating issues.
Generally speaking, braces costs somewhere between $3,000 and 6,000, but
the actual price will change according to where you live and how
comprehensive the fitting needs to be. The ‘invisible’ bracket braces
are more expensive than standard metal ones, because they are more
difficult to manufacture. Crucially, this does not necessarily mean that
they are a better option for your teeth. Your dentist will be able to
give you advice on what kind of brackets and aligners are compatible
with your mouth.
Two Years is the Average Treatment Period
The typical treatment duration is around two years, but your own
prognosis will depend on how much work needs to be done to straighten
your teeth and fix your bite. There are certain methods that can be used
to align the teeth faster, but these are generally not recommended
unless the teeth are in an extremely robust and healthy condition. You
can ask your dentist for more information about them, but be aware that
they involve a degree of painful alignment.
These rapid methods usually involve minor surgery to the jaw. They align
the teeth in around six months, but the healing process is painful and
tricky to navigate. For this reason, your dentist will always try to
convince you to take the easier route. If you are determined to speed up
the process, however, and are happy to accept the risks and side
effects, it may be possible to receive this kind of corrective
procedure.
Switching During Treatment is Costly
There are times when patients simply cannot avoid moving away from their
chosen orthodontist during treatment. This is a tricky situation, but
one which just has to happen sometimes. However, if you can avoid moving
house or cutting ties with your orthodontist while still wearing your
braces, do so at all costs. It can be very fussy and financially tricky
to up and move to another clinic in the middle of treatment.
This is why you need to choose your orthodontist very carefully. Before
treatment begins and you are fitted with your braces, you will be asked
to sign a contract. If you move or you want to switch orthodontists
after this time, you need to negotiate the end of your contract. With
most dentists, it is easy to agree on how much treatment has been given
and how much money is owed, but sometimes patients and specialists
disagree.
Then, you have to start up treatments and care with a brand new
orthodontist. This means a brand new contract and a new set of rules. In
some cases, you will be allowed to start up treatment where you left off
with the old specialist. For most orthodontists, however, this is not an
option. You may need to begin treatment costs from scratch, even if you
have been wearing your dental braces for some time. This is why it is
worth delaying relocation plans if possible.
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There Will Be Some Pain
Unfortunately, wearing and getting used to braces is not a pain free
process. While the actual fitting rarely hurts, the new sensations and
pressure against your teeth will cause soreness and aching. You may
experience sores on the inside of your gums and lips, because the mouth
is simply not used to having so much metal or plastic close to the
tissues. All of these painful side effects should subside after a couple
of weeks.
It can be very hard to get used to wearing braces and there are plenty
of horror stories from former wearers about canker sores, persistent
aches, and problems eating. You have to remember that the end goal is a
healthier mouth and a much more beautiful smile. After a few months, you
will barely notice your braces at all. In fact, you will wonder what all
the fuss was about. But, you do need to stay patient and work through
those troublesome first weeks.
Your dentist will likely prescribe or recommend an over the counter
painkiller to help with the soreness. And, you can rinse your mouth out
with a salt water solution to alleviate the pressure and pain. If you do
this several times a day, it will keep your mouth and the braces clean
and free from bacteria. Chewing and speaking will be tricky at first,
but you just have to keep an eye on that end goal – a perfect smile.
The Right Way to Deal with Dental Braces
If you have recently been fitted with braces and are having trouble
adjusting, speak to your orthodontist. It if their responsibility to
help you get through the initial stages of wearing braces; use your
specialist as a valuable resource. Ask questions, raise concerns, and
inform them about any changes in your mouth. If you stay in touch with
your dentist and visit as often as recommended, you should find that the
process goes much more smoothly.
You must also keep your teeth and mouth as healthy as possible.
Fortunately, brushing with braces is really no more difficult than it is
normally. You can use a regular toothbrush, with regular bristles. You
may need to replace it more often though, because the metal brackets
will wear the bristles down faster. It will take a little more time and
precision to floss, but this is also more than possible. Take care, be
gentle, and do not put too much pressure on teeth.
When your braces look shiny and clean (and you can see the edges of the
brackets), you will know that you have done a fine job. You only have to
brush and floss twice a day, like anybody else, or more frequently if
you have consumed a lot of sugary drinks and snacks. Attend regular
check-ups and inform your doctor of any unexpected changes to your teeth
or mouth.
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