Orthodontics (dental braces treatment) is one of the best ways of straightening misaligned teeth. However, before you can get your teeth straightened, there is the small issue of choosing the best braces for your case, because there are various forms of braces. Answering these questions should help you figure out the type of braces you should get:
Do You Care If Others Can Easily Spot Your Braces?
Some people get self-conscious with their braces while others don't care whether everyone knows that they are wearing braces. There are different braces to suit each of these groups. For example, if you don't care whether anyone sees your braces from a mile away, then you can have any type of braces. However, if you want to keep your braces a secret, then you should consider the following braces:
- Lingual braces – these are installed on the backside of the teeth (the tongue side) so they aren't very visible, but not everyone is a candidate for them
- Invisible braces (such as Invisalign) – are clear plastics that are not as visible as traditional braces
In particular, you should avoid metal braces if you don't want your braces to be visible to everyone since metal braces are the most obvious.
How Severe Is Your Malocclusion?
Some braces are suitable for minimal malocclusions while others can work on all forms of misaligned teeth. Therefore, the dentist will examine your teeth and advise you on which type is best suited for the extent of misalignment you have. For example, the severest forms of misalignments are best handled by metal braces.
How Fast Do You Want the Correction?
There is no standard time for orthodontic treatment. You may have to wear your braces for as short as one year or for as long as three years. It depends on the extent of your malocclusion and the type of braces you have. Traditional metal braces are known as one of the fastest treatment times.
Do You Have Time for Regular Adjustment Visits?
Once you have your braces fitted, you have to come back to your dentists at certain intervals to have the braces adjusted. This is necessary as the teeth move so that the alignment advances. Missing your adjustment schedules can lengthen your overall treatment time. However, there are self-litigating orthodontic designed to adjust themselves automatically; you should get one of these if you aren't sure you will be available for all the adjustment sessions.
Speak with a professional like Jacob L. Revercomb DMD to learn more.
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