What You Must Know Before Getting Braces

Anyone Can Get Dental Braces

The common assumption is that dental braces are for teenagers only. That’s not true, as anyone there is no age limit to get a brace. In so far your teeth and gums are healthy; you can get your teeth straightened, whether you’re a child or a teenager.

Some adults may not have been able to get dental braces as kids because their parents could not afford it back then. But now as grownups and financially empowered, they may want to straighten their dental health and improve their smile and public confidence.

Some other adults may have had braces as children, but didn’t wear their retainers which made their teeth crooked again. And there could be others who may have had other complications with their state of health of their jaw bones.

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding to get a brace is the condition of your gums and jaw bones. That is because if your gums are unhealthy, or they’re receding or there is a bone loss, braces won’t work well on your teeth as they’ll put too much pressure on your teeth. This could cause bleeding and other discomfort and complications.

'Bite' Vs Dentition

Your orthodontist will be particular about your “bite,” as much as your dentition.

While you may think your healthcare expert will be watching out for the straightness or aesthetics of your teeth when you go for consultation, he’ll also have other indicators in mind. One of the most important of these is your “bite,” or how your top and bottom teeth meet when you bring them together.

That’s because braces do a lot more than just straighten your teeth. It helps shape how your teeth meet when you close and open your mouth. So, an orthodontist evaluates these and so many other signs such as if your tongue sticks out of your front teeth, whether your teeth is crowded or have large gaps, whether you’ve lost all your baby teeth, or whether your jaw hurt or click.

Companies that produce advanced tools and equipment now make the process a lot easier and the final results more accurate.  For example, companies like OrthoSynetics allows orthodontists to focus on what they enjoy most about their careers - treating patients.

Essentially, an orthodontist is as much concerned with how your teeth functions as much as he is concerned about helping you have fantastic looking teeth.

Orthodontists Are Better Trained Than Dentists

When it comes to dental health, the general instinct is to think about a dentist. And there are dentists that will be willing to do braces probably for a lot less than the actual cost. But that’s a huge gamble. A regular dentist may get stuck on some complications with dental braces, which will eventually require the patient visiting the orthodontist to fix the damage.

What you may not know is that orthodontists first go to a dental school to qualify as dentist before going further to enrol for an Orthodontic course for several years where they specifically study tooth movement, the way the jaw functions, and facial aesthetics. Then they sit for a special exam to get certified to practice as qualified orthodontists.

Don't Skip Consultations

Go for consultations as many times as you can. They’re usually free!

Most people get a referral to an orthodontist from their dentist or a friend. And you shouldn’t hesitate to visit one, as they do not usually charge for consultations. For some reasons you don’t feel at ease with a particular orthodontist or you’d like to gather a few other professional views? That’s ok. Actually, a good idea. Just go. Don’t hesitate.