The prospect of getting braces can be exciting and a little bit nerve wracking. Getting braces can solve many oral health issues that you might be experiencing, and they can also help you feel more confident about your smile. Before you make the decision to have braces put on, here are a few things that you should research and think about.
How They Will Change Your Life
First off, you should think about how getting braces could change your life. If you have a painful bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crooked jaw, braces can help to correct these issues. Similarly, if you have any teeth growing in crooked or in the wrong location, braces will be able to solve these problems. If you have ever felt insecure about your crooked smile or gapped teeth, that isn’t something that you have to put up with forever. Braces will help you to be able to achieve straight, beautiful teeth, and you’ll love to show off your smile with confidence.
Explore All Your Options
Now that you know that improving your oral health can change your life, make sure to explore all the options that are available to you before you decide on braces. If you don’t want metal braces stuck onto your teeth semi-permanently for a few years, you can choose to use a retainer or Invisalign. You can take off Invisalign aligners when eating or during special events. Of course, your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the best option for you.
How to Care for Them
Finally, once you’ve decided on braces, Invisalign, retainers, or any other option, you’ll need to know how to properly care for them. Of course, you’ll need to keep up with good oral health habits such as brushing your teeth multiple times a day and flossing daily. However, brushing and flossing can both be a little bit more difficult with braces on your teeth. Luckily, there are lots of tools that you can use to maintain good oral health such as water picks and floss threaders.
Now that you’ve thought through some of the different details that come along with having braces, you’ll be prepared to make a well thought out decision. Of course, everyone has different teeth challenges, and depending on your personal situation, you might not need a treatment as drastic as braces. Make sure that you talk to your dentist or orthodontist to find out what will be the best option for you.
Check out this article on how to make your dentist’s job much easier!