Did you know that close to four million people in the United States of America wear braces, and one-quarter of those people are adults? Getting braces can seem scary at first, but the benefits of straightening your teeth are numerous and they’re more than worth it. If you want a perfect smile that will light up a room then it’s a good idea to look into how to straighten your teeth.
The two most popular options for getting straighter teeth are getting braces or using Invisalign. If you’re leaning towards getting braces then there are some things that you should understand before committing to this teeth-straightening option. The good news is that you’ve come to the perfect spot to learn all about tips for getting braces.
Keep reading this article for seven things to consider prior to getting braces for your teeth!
1. There Is No Age Limit
If you have crooked teeth as an adult it’s common to think that your chances to straighten your teeth have passed you by. Most people picture kids and teenagers when they think about people that use and need braces, but seldom are adults associated with getting braces.
There is no age limit when it comes to reaping the benefits of getting braces for your teeth. This treatment option is effective to achieve the goal of straight teeth no matter if you’re 12 or 72. If you’ve struggled with misaligned teeth in your mouth for years then there is no better time than now to get that perfect smile that you’ve always dreamed of.
2. Better Oral Teeth
The surface-level goal of using Invisalign or braces is to get straight teeth, but the benefits don’t end there. It’s often the primary reason that people visit the dentist and ask about how to straighten your teeth. The real benefits come from the fact that straight teeth are much easier to maintain and keep clean compared to crooked teeth.
A good dentist will take a look at your bite to determine if the benefits of invisalign are right for your oral health needs versus getting braces. Your bite impacts how well you can chew your food as well as your ability to speak, so it’s something that you shouldn’t overlook when it comes to your future wellbeing.
A poor bite could also result in added tension in your jaw and tension headaches that will take away from your quality of life. You won’t have great overall health if your oral health is poor, so consider getting Invisalign or braces.
3. Don’t Worry About Bracket Types
Not everyone is cut out for using Invisalign at first, so it’s important that you don’t fret over the bracket types of your braces. It’s common to worry about what your peers might think, especially if you’re still in school and you’re getting traditional braces. It’s always best to listen to the dentist’s recommendations if you want to reach your goal of having straight and healthy teeth.
The alternative is trying to go with options for straightening your teeth that won’t be as effective and could cause other issues. You’re always better off trusting the certified and licensed professionals when it comes to your healthcare.
4. Costs Will Vary
It’s important that you go into getting braces with a clear idea that it’s going to cost some money to straighten your teeth. There are a bunch of factors that play into the cost of your braces, like your age, your location, and the clinic that you’re going to for your oral health.
A normal set of braces is going to cost somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000, though that price could change depending on the types of brackets that you prefer for your braces and teeth. The invisible braces brackets will cost you more money than if you opt for the traditional braces.
5. Treatment Period Is Two Years
Another big thing to think about when it comes to straightening your teeth is the amount of time required to make the treatment successful. Most people have to keep their braces for around two years in order to get the smile that they’ve always wanted. It varies from case to case, but it’s a good idea to go into getting braces with the mindset that it’s going to be a process that takes some time.
If you want the process to move faster then you need to take steps to care for your teeth. Making bad decisions for your oral health will result in longer periods of time with your braces on.
6. Pain Will Occur
Another less-than-pleasant part of getting braces is the pain that comes with straightening your teeth. Your braces will hurt during the early stages of having them on your teeth because the braces will put a certain level of pressure on the teeth to move them to their proper location.
You’re also going to experience the brackets rubbing on the inside of your mouth, which could result in some irritation. This stage will last for a few weeks but you can limit the pain by taking aspirin or Tylenol.
7. Braces Are the First Step
Braces are the first step in a long journey towards getting the teeth that you’ve always wanted. It’s a big investment of your time as well as your money, so you should take steps to maintain your teeth after you get your braces removed. Make sure that you’re brushing your teeth after each meal, and never forget to floss.
It would be a shame to waste everything that you went through to get straight teeth, so be prepared to do more dental care after you’re free of braces or Invisalign.
Start Looking Into Getting Braces Today
Getting braces is a great idea if you’re tired of having crooked teeth and being afraid of showing your smile. Straightening your teeth requires quite a process and a bit of pain, but it’s worth it to get a new confidence and healthy teeth for years to come. Make sure that you’re prepared to take care of your teeth after you get your braces off, and remain patient during the process.
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