Getting braces may be a daunting experience for some. However, it does not necessarily need to be a scary experience. With the right advice and information, getting braces can very well be just a walk in the park. Continue reading to learn more about several important things that you need to know before going ahead with the procedure.
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth can be a real problem regardless of how old you are or the current condition of your teeth. The biggest concern is often associated with self-esteem. Misaligned and awkwardly-placed teeth are usually considered as inferior. Even when a person practices great oral hygiene, there will still be some people who will not refrain from making negative remarks about crooked teeth. This is why dentists closely monitor the growth of adult teeth in children. As soon as permanent teeth have started to appear, their formation and growth can be monitored. This can help ensure that they grow healthily. If there are any crooked teeth, childhood is the perfect stage for corrective measures to be implemented.
Braces at Any Age
Braces are commonly associated with teenagers but simply due to the fact that most people first notice crookedness in their teeth during this period. However, there is no specific age limit for corrective treatments so do not be disheartened by stereotypes. Braces are used to correct any misalignments found in teeth at any age as long as the teeth and gums are relatively strong. Braces are nevertheless unsuitable for patients who have poor dental health or weakened gums.
Bite Needs to Be Fixed
Apart from simply determining if your teeth are straight, your dentist will also need to check if you have a healthy bite. This bite refers to the action of closing both your rows of teeth and opening them back up again. When you do the bite, both rows should meet without exhibiting too much abrasion or grind against each other. Additionally, there should be no gaps found along the line where both rows of teeth meet.
Invisible Brackets
Do not be fixated on just invisible brackets. Most patients want braces that are highly inconspicuous and this may restrict the number of recommendations that their dentist can suggest. Invisible braces are designed to blend right into the teeth but they may not be compatible for everyone. It is difficult for some patients who refuse to accept that their choice of invisible braces is not suitable for their teeth but the final results recommended by dentists often speak volumes.
Average Treatment Period
The typical treatment period is approximately two years but your individual prognosis really relies on the amount of work that needs to be done on your teeth and to correct your bite. There are certain procedures that can be effective in aligning the teeth at a faster rate, but they are generally not recommended unless the teeth are in an extremely unhealthy condition. Such a situation may also require a minor surgery which does inflict a certain degree of pain.