The first thing you should know about getting braces is that there is absolutely no age limit for this type of correction. As long as your teeth and gums are strong and healthy, you can effectively use braces. Of course, the majority of people who get braces are teenagers, but if you didn’t have the possibility to get this particular dental procedure in your teens, your teeth can still be corrected later on. Thanks to the constant development and technological improvements in this area, teeth correction is getting less painful and bothersome, braces are more subtle and you can expect to have your braces removed faster than before. In that respect, there’s no reason to shy away from a bright smile all your life. However, there are things that you should know before getting your braces. This is true for all ages as well, so make sure that you’re knowledgeable enough to take proper care of your teeth and have realistic expectations once you’re done with wearing braces.
Don’t be too obsessed with straight teeth
It may seem that the main purpose of braces is to straighten your teeth. Of course, this is true, but there are many different factors to take into consideration. While the braces will straighten your teeth as much as possible, sometimes there’s no way that you can get really straight teeth. This is because of the way your teeth grow, the way you position your tongue, the size of your jaw and mouth, the overall health of your gums, etc. While there’s always the possibility that your teeth won’t be Hollywood straight, braces will still correct them in the most natural and flattering way possible.
Your bite makes a lot of difference
Before they suggest braces, your dentist will have to thoroughly examine your teeth, jaw and gums. That said, in some cases, bite correction will be necessary before jumping onto teeth straightening. In general, your bite is what you get when you close your upper and bottom teeth. The bite can affect the way you eat, talk as well as some other more serious health issues. Therefore, if your dentist suggests fixing your bite first, don’t try to skip this step and rush things. This type of correction will be essential for the success of teeth straightening later on.
Dentists can’t replace orthodontists
You will always have to visit your dentist first. They can examine your teeth and give suggestions as to what to do next. However, even though some dentists may be knowledgeable enough about the fitting and sizing of the braces, you should still go to an orthodontist for this step. Usually, your dentist will recommend the best orthodontist for your particular case. Different types of braces and dental issues will also vary in price. Consultations with orthodontists are very important for your dental health since they will be able to determine the exact adjustments and the type of braces that would fit your needs and teeth the best.
Invisalign vs. metal braces
Thanks to the remarkable development in dental technology, nowadays you have Invisalign clear braces made of plastic, which are almost invisible. Invisalign is a very popular and stylish way to correct one’s teeth. However, not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. In the end, you should never go to your orthodontist with expectations to have “invisible” braces only. They are the experts and they will suggest the best possible solution for you personally. If your teeth can be easily corrected with Invisalign, go for it. However, if your orthodontist says that metal braces are a better choice for you, it’s important that you listen to them since the right approach can save you time, trouble, money and pain.
Proper care
A lot of people think that having braces is not only going to make them feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, but that they will require a lot more time to take care of their teeth. This is far from the truth. Regardless of whether you have Invisalign or metal braces, your dental hygiene remains the same. This means that you should brush your teeth twice a day with your usual toothbrush and toothpaste by using gentle strokes. Floss regularly and use mouthwash like you normally would. The only difference is the fact that you should visit your dentist/orthodontist on a regular basis so that they can track the correction, check your teeth and gums, and make new adjustments as necessary.
It is usually necessary to wear braces for one to two years for a complete and proper correction of your teeth. In the end, the duration of this process depends on the condition of your teeth and the level of correction that’s necessary. Don’t be put off by the length of this process. Once you take your braces off, you’ll be blessed with a nice pearly smile for good.