Orthodontic treatment is typically carried out to improve the appearance and alignment of crowded, protruding, or crooked teeth. If you’re not happy with your teeth, it may be time to consider this option to restore your confidence and boost your self-esteem. However, with so many options to pick from, it can be hard to know what kind of brace is right for you.
Whether you want to go down the traditional route or like the idea of clear aligners, here is what you need to know before getting braces this year.
Choose the Right Treatment
There are all kinds of braces you can wear to straighten your teeth. While some people like metal braces that stay fixed on your teeth, others like the idea of removable braces and invisible braces that are harder to spot. ALIGNERCO has a guide on the differences between clear braces and wire braces that can help you make up your mind. ALIGNERCO also has night time clear aligners you can consider if you don’t want your daily routine to be interrupted.
Whatever you decide on, make sure you pick a brace that you feel comfortable with. Each type of brace will have a different treatment length, so you must consider this before making your final choice.
Work Out Your Budget
No matter what kind of brace you pick, there will be treatment plans and payment plans you must adhere to. You must work out your budget well in advance and track your income and outgoings so you know how much you can realistically afford to spend on your treatment. There are many things you can do to make your braces more affordable, such as picking a skilled orthodontist, setting up a health savings account, as well as inquiring as to whether there are special discounts you can take advantage of.
If you’re put off by the cost of braces, try and see the bigger picture and how many benefits you will gain once they’re removed. To keep up with monthly payments, there are budgeting apps you can download on your smartphone that will see your money go further. Additionally, if you have dental insurance, your provider may pay for a fraction of your braces which can be a huge help. Having dental insurance can be really beneficial, especially for someone who has kids and would require regular checkups at the least. Some parents even happen to find combined vision and dental insurance from an insurance broker which can cover all their needs and help them protect themselves from the high but likely expenses in the future. Hence, if you do not have dental insurance, it might be wise of you to get one before the treatment starts.
Prepare for Pain and Discomfort
While orthodontic treatment continues to advance year on year, you must still prepare for some level of pain and discomfort. If you’re sticking with traditional metal braces, they will need to be tightened regularly, which you may struggle with. Even if you choose removable or invisible braces, there is discomfort involved in the process.
Thankfully, there are several methods you can try out which can provide pain relief, like massaging your gums, using an ice pack, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine. There are also oral anesthetics you can rub onto sensitive teeth and gums, such as Anbesol, which should provide some form of relief. If you still need help, make sure you book an appointment with your dentist who can advise you further.
Be Careful What You Eat
If you’re the type of person who doesn’t follow a balanced diet, eating sugary and processed foods can hinder your braces treatment. For those who wear fixed braces, you do not want to deal with food particles getting trapped in your brace. Also, hard candy should be avoided while wearing braces, as they can break them with ease and disrupt your treatment.
Once you get braces, you should stick to a soft foods diet, including mashed potatoes, soups, and cereal. For those who pick removable braces, while you will not have to worry about wires breaking, you should still be kind to your teeth and gums and eat softer foods.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
No matter how long you wear your braces for, you must practice excellent oral hygiene from start to finish. Even if you have difficulty brushing and flossing with fixed braces on, you will be thankful in the long run. Maintaining excellent teeth and gums is critical for success, so don’t start neglecting your oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day helps to avoid developing gum disease and other serious health complications, so make sure you stay on top of your routine. If you wear traditional braces, make sure you swish water around your mouth to get rid of any food particles that have become trapped in your braces. Although you may need to take longer with your oral hygiene, it’s vital that you are careful as brushing vigorously can damage the brace and cause bleeding gums.
Once you’ve decided to undergo orthodontic treatment, you will be on your journey of getting a straighter and brighter smile. To get the results you want, make sure you pick a brace that you feel comfortable with, maintain your oral hygiene, and see your dentist regularly.
