5 Things Everyone Should Know When Considering Braces | The majority of people with braces are children as the issue with their teeth is identified at a young age and then corrected, the child doesn’t usually get a say in the matter! However, an increasing number of adults are getting braces.
If your teeth are crooked or misaligned braces are certainly a good idea. They will help your teeth look fantastic and this has been shown to improve your confidence.
It is worth noting that a reputable holistic dentist is a good choice for braces as they take into consideration your overall health, as well as your oral health.
However, before you commit to braces there are 5 things you should know:
- Braces Hurt
Braces work by exerting pressure on your teeth. This encourages them to slowly move. With the help of the dentist, the teeth will gradually move forward and back according to what is needed.
The process is slow but the pressure from the brace does create an ache that takes time to get used to.
- Metal Is Cheaper
Metal braces generally start from $3,000 for their treatment. In contrast, ceramic braces, which are less noticeable, start from around $4,000.
In short, braces are not cheap and are often not covered by general health insurance. However, they are effective and you can usually spread the payments over the course of the treatment.
- You Have To Avoid Certain Foods
While braces are very strong, the wires between the metal plates are surprisingly thin. That means they can be broken, requiring you to visit the dentist and have the issue rectified.
To help prevent this you’ll want to avoid really hard foods, such as nuts, hard candy, and even apples, (although if the apples are cut up that is okay).
You’ll also want to avoid very chewy foods like beef jerky and sticky items like toffee and caramels.
You should note that in the first days of wearing a brace you’ll probably be best to stick to soft foods. This will help you to get used to chewing with a brace.
- Extra Care
When you wear braces simply brushing your teeth the usual way isn’t going to be good enough. You’ll need to use a dedicated small toothbrush to brush around the metal plates. It can also be a good idea to floss after every meal to help remove debris and to rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
It isn’t difficult to look after your teeth with braces but it is more time-consuming.
- Length Of Time Varies
Your dentist will give you an idea regarding how long you need to wear braces. The amount of time will depend on how much your teeth need to move and how easily they move. In most cases, it takes between 2-4 years. However, your dentist will keep you up to date with this as it can be quicker or take longer.
The good news is that when the braces come off your teeth will feel strange but they will give you that Hollywood smile!
