Getting braces is often a relief to someone with crooked teeth but is it really the best option? While Invisalign is a clear alternative to braces, it is not an obvious choice for all orthodontic situations. Find out what your options are, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.
Braces are commonly used in orthodontic treatment to address a variety of dental issues and improve oral health and aesthetics. They are primarily used to correct misaligned teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. This not only enhances the appearance of the smile but also improves oral function, making it easier to chew, speak, and maintain proper dental hygiene.
When considering braces, it is important to understand their purpose and function to make an informed decision. Getting guidance from an orthodontist, especially one knowledgeable about braces in Fort Walton Beach, FL, or your specific location, can be invaluable in determining which type of braces are suitable for your teeth.
Orthodontic treatments make use of different types of braces. A few of them have been mentioned below.
- Traditional Metal Braces – Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, which are cemented to your teeth. Though traditional metal braces used to be a popular treatment option, today, most people use clear aligners, which are invisible to others.
- Invisalign – Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made, transparent aligners that are worn over your teeth. They help to straighten your teeth without metal wires and brackets. You can avail of this treatment option from an orthodontist who offers Invisalign in Destin, FL, or in your vicinity.
- Clear Braces – Clear braces are a great option for those who want traditional braces but do not want the look and feel of metal wires.
Things To Do Before You Get Braces
- Preparing for braces – As mentioned, the foremost thing you should do when you have misaligned teeth is to visit an indiana orthodontist if that’s where you’re based. This step can give you clarity; once your consultation is over and you agree to move forward with this procedure, your measurement would be taken to create the braces that can fit your set of whites.
- What should you eat after getting braces? – Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment, but they are far from a panacea for crooked teeth. To ensure you have the best opportunity for a successful treatment outcome, you will want to eat the right foods after you put braces on your teeth. Braces put pressure on your teeth, which means your mouth will be sore and difficult to bite into. To help ease the pain, you will need to stick to soft foods for the first two weeks after braces are placed. This means foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and pudding. But possibly the most important food to avoid is anything that could be abrasive to your teeth, such as nuts, popcorn, and popcorn kernels.
- What to do the day you get your braces fixed – Braces are a pretty big deal, and most people look forward to them when they are straight. But, once your braces come off, you have to figure out how to take care of your teeth.
- How long will it take to place braces on the teeth? Orthodontic treatment can be difficult, and it can be difficult to know how long the process will take from start to finish. The average treatment time is typically between six months to one year, depending on the type of treatment the patient needs. For traditional braces, that time period includes appointments with the orthodontist at regular intervals for adjustments.
- Do you need filling before braces? – This can cause the tooth to have an abscess, which gets infected and can result in pain, pain, and more pain. So, whether you are wearing braces or are just in need of a checkup, your dentist will likely recommend a cavity filling. But do you really need to get a cavity filling before you have braces? The short answer is no but knowing when and why you should get a cavity filling before braces helps you make smart decisions about your oral health.
- Is it okay to whiten your teeth before getting braces? – It may seem like an easy decision, but whitening teeth before braces is actually a pretty controversial topic among orthodontists and dentists. Some say it is fine, while others say to hold off on the whitening until your braces come off since brushing and flossing can get pretty tricky when you’ve got dental work in your mouth.
- How are braces put on your teeth? – Braces make your teeth straighter and your bite more aligned, so you can imagine how much work goes into getting braces installed. Yes, it can be a lengthy process and is a bit of a pain, but it is only temporary, and the reward is a healthier smile.
- The day after braces come off – You got braces, and now you are ready for the big day. A day that (hopefully) you have been looking forward to for months if not years. The day you get to show off your new smile to the world. The day you finally get to enjoy all the foods you could not eat with your old, crooked teeth.
- How soon before you start to see changes with wearing braces? – Now that braces are barely noticeable, most people forget that they are even there. But braces are a commitment and not one you will want to make lightly. It takes time to stabilize your teeth sufficiently, and it can take years to see the results for which you are hoping.