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9 Things to Consider Before Straightening Your Teeth with Braces or Aligners

Your smile is the first thing that most people will notice about you. Most people don’t notice a few teeth that aren’t completely straight, but it can definitely be noticed by yourself and might have an impact on your confidence. The good news is that whatever your age, there are plenty of options to consider for improving your smile and getting the straight pearly whites that you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you had braces as a teenager and your teeth moved back over the years or you’ve never had your teeth straightened professionally, there will be an option that is suitable for you. 

Braces are usually the only option available for straightening misaligned teeth; however, there are several different types of braces to choose from. Getting any type of brace can be a huge commitment, so it’s a good idea to carefully consider some important factors before you decide whether or not they are the right choice for you. Doing your own research and checking out clear aligner reviews is recommended before purchasing any products.

Get a Consultation

Getting a consultation with a professional orthodontist is the first step to take if you are considering straightening your teeth with braces. Your orthodontist will be able to take an educated look at your mouth, teeth, and jaw to help you decide which treatment option is going to be the most effective at getting you the results you want by the time that you want them for. Certain types of braces tend to be more effective at fixing different types of problems, so it’s best to speak to a professional beforehand, to avoid getting your hopes up about getting a specific type of brace only to find that it won’t have the effect that you wanted on your teeth. You’ll also be able to use this consultation to ask questions and get more information on the process and what to expect. 

Consider Your Brace Options

Adult braces are growing in popularity and you can certainly take steps to straighten your teeth at any stage in your life. The type of brace that is going to be the most suitable for you will depend on a number of factors, which is why it’s important to get professional advice at this stage. If you are dealing with severely misaligned teeth, for example, your orthodontist is likely to recommend a fixed brace, and in some cases, teeth may need to be removed in order to provide enough space in the mouth for the other teeth to move into while they are straightening. 

On the other hand, mild problems such as one or two teeth that slightly overlap the other can often be corrected with a clear, removable aligner. Sometimes, nighttime clear aligners that are worn only while sleeping can be very effective. This is a popular option with adults who want straighter teeth without having to wear visible braces all the time for over a year. Check out these nighttime clear aligners at alignerco.com. ALIGNERCO offers an alternative to wearing fixed braces for many misalignment problems, and you can take advantage of handy payment plans. 

Your Budget

The cost of the braces is another factor to take into consideration when deciding to get your teeth straightened. The amount that you can expect to pay will usually depend on the type of braces that you need and the length of time that it will take for you to get the results you want. Many orthodontist companies offer payment plans where you can spread the cost to make it more manageable. Your health insurance may also cover some or all of the cost if you are straightening your teeth for reasons that are not strictly cosmetic. 

Your Current Dental Health

Consider the current condition of your teeth and mouth before deciding to get braces. It’s a wise idea to visit your dentist for a regular check-up before making an appointment for a consultation with your orthodontist, as any issues such as cavities will need to be repaired before you can have braces fitted. It’s always best to get braces when your teeth are in the best condition, so you may want to schedule an appointment with your hygienist too. 

Keeping Up with Your Dental Health

Before you have braces fitted, the orthodontist will ensure that your teeth are in good health and condition. Whether you are going to be using fixed or removable braces, it’s important to ensure that you know how to take good care of your teeth during the straightening process to avoid any issues. This is especially true if you are getting fixed braces since, unlike aligners, they cannot be removed to clean your teeth. Your orthodontist should provide you with full instructions and tools such as interdental brushes to ensure that you can keep your teeth clean and healthy while wearing braces. It’s also important to keep up with professional cleaning by your hygienist while the braces are on. 

Temporary Discomfort – What to Expect

Over time, people who are wearing braces get used to them and they are no longer bothered by the feeling of having them in their mouth. However, after you first get your braces fitted, you may deal with some temporary discomfort. If you’re using clear aligners, it’s important to resist the urge to take the aligners out unless absolutely necessary since this discomfort is a sign of a good thing – your teeth moving into position. If you’re wearing fixed braces, the first couple of days can be quite uncomfortable, so make sure that you’re only eating soft foods. The feeling of tenderness in your teeth and gums will go away after a while. 

Length of Time

Consider the length of time that it is likely to take for your teeth to be as you want them. Your orthodontist should be able to give you a general idea of how long it will be before you no longer need braces. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to change this timeframe as everybody is different, and forcing your teeth to straighten faster could cause damage. Using a different type of brace such as a fixed brace rather than clear aligners might be necessary if you want perfectly straight teeth within a given timeframe. If you’ve got a date in mind, it’s important to get started as quickly as possible. 

Eating with Braces

Once you have had braces or aligners fitted, you might need to make some changes to your diet. Avoid eating anything that is hard or requires a lot of chewing, especially if you are wearing fixed braces. Wearing a clear aligner means that you can remove it to eat, so your diet might not need as many adjustments compared to fixed braces. However, bear in mind that your teeth might feel quite tender after taking the aligner out, so it’s important to follow a diet that is easy to eat. As always, avoid sugary foods and drinks that could cause damage to your teeth. 

Wearing Your Retainer

Once your braces or clear aligners are removed, you will be provided with a retainer that’s designed to keep your teeth in position. You’ll be required to make a mold of your newly straightened teeth to get your aligner and wear it when you are asleep every night. Your teeth will naturally try to move back to their original position and wearing the retainer is the only way to prevent this. 

If you want to achieve a straighter smile, there are plenty of braces and aligner options to consider.