by When it comes to the main thing that gets noticed about you when meeting somebody new, and something that makes you unique, it’s got to be your smile. Most of us will notice a warm smile, but if your teeth aren’t perfectly straight, it might put you off smiling quite as much. The good news is that most people aren’t going to notice a few teeth that aren’t lined up quite so straight, but this is perhaps something that you notice about yourself and might even impact your confidence overall. The good news is that there are many options to consider if you want to have straighter teeth and improve the health and appearance of your smile.
Most people need braces or aligners to straighten their teeth. Whether you have never had teeth alignment treatment before or had braces as a teenager only for your teeth to move back over the years, you can now choose from a wide range of different brace and aligner types and find the one that suits you best. Here are some of the main things to consider before getting started to make sure that this is the right treatment for you and to figure out the best type for your needs.
Have a Consultation
The first step in the process is to have a consultation with an orthodontist, who will be able to examine your mouth, teeth, and jaw to give you more information on the type of straightening treatment that is going to be best for you. When it comes to getting braces or aligners, there are certain types that tend to work better for different problems. Since it might not always be clear to see which brace or aligner type is going to be the best fit for you, speaking to a professional can help you get a better idea of your options and make it easier for you to make the right choice. Along with this, during the consultation you will be able to ask more questions and get all the information that you need before you make your decision and get started.
Adult Brace Options
Traditional fixed braces might be the best choice for you if you have a lot of overcrowding, misalignment, and an overbite. If you have been recommended traditional metal braces, then the good news is that you don’t have to go for the obvious, traditional type as there are other options to consider. Ceramic braces work in the same way to metal braces; however, the brackets are the same color as your teeth, and you can get a clear wire that is less noticeable. Some people may also be good candidates for fixed braces that are fitted behind the teeth to keep them out of sight. On the other hand, if you’ve had your teeth straightened before and a couple of them have shifted over time into a misaligned position, clear braces or aligners might be a better option for you. You can wear night time clear aligners to straighten your teeth as you are sleeping, making them one of the most convenient and hassle-free options for adults. Check out ALIGNERCO to find out more about which braces suit you better and learn more about the different aligner types that are available. With ALIGNERCO, you can have an online consultation and take impressions of your teeth from home to build your aligners and start straightening your teeth.
Your Budget
When deciding to straighten your teeth, the cost of the treatment is another main consideration to make. The cost of braces or aligners will typically depend on the type of braces that you need to get to straighten your teeth and the length of time that you will need to wear them in order to get the results that you want. The good news is that most of the time, you will be able to access a payment plan option so that you don’t have to cover the cost of your braces in one go. And if you have dental insurance, this might pay for some or all your braces depending on your situation.
Your Dental Health
It’s also important to make sure that your dental health is in good shape before you start wearing braces. You will usually be asked to visit your dentist for a checkup before the braces are fitted or before you get your first aligner to wear. While your teeth can still move into a straighter position if some of them have problems, fixing braces or wearing aligners when you have issues such as cavities with your teeth can lead to further complications that you want to avoid. And you will want to make sure that your teeth are in great health so that you can enjoy your smile even more when you no longer need to wear the braces or aligners.
Looking After Your Dental Health with Braces
Along with it being important to make sure that your teeth are in good health before you start wearing braces or aligners, you will also need to know what to do to maintain the health and condition of your teeth throughout the treatment process. No matter what kind of braces you decide to get, it’s important to follow the advice of your orthodontist when it comes to looking after your teeth and keeping them healthy. This is especially true with fixed braces. While aligners make it easy to look after your teeth as you can simply remove them to brush and floss, fixed metal or ceramic braces cannot be removed, and it may require some additional effort to keep your teeth clean.
What to Expect From Wearing Braces
When you wear braces or aligners, it can take some getting used to at first. You are likely to experience some temporary discomfort as a result of the braces or aligners being tight on your teeth and the pressure that is applied. This isn’t always pleasant to go through, but it is a normal experience when wearing braces or aligners, so it’s a good idea to make sure that you are prepared. If it helps, you can take over the counter painkiller medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve some of the discomfort. Make sure that you only eat soft foods, especially for the first couple of days, if you are wearing fixed braces since your teeth and gums might feel very tender, making it difficult to chew.
Keeping Your Teeth Straight
After you have had the brace or aligner treatment and they have been removed, your teeth will be straight – but bear in mind that they are unlikely to stay this way naturally. It’s quite normal for your teeth to start moving back into their previous position if there is nothing to hold them in place, and the last thing that you want is all that work to be undone. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you keep up with wearing the retainer that will be provided to you at the end of your treatment. This is usually worn overnight and will keep your teeth in place and prevent them from moving over time.
Braces or aligners are becoming an increasingly common teeth misalignment treatment for adults. Before you get started, be sure that you know what to consider and what to expect.
