Do I Need to Wear Braces?
Are you unhappy with your smile? Perhaps your teeth are not as straight as you’d like them to be. Or maybe your bite needs to be adjusted. Well, it’s likely that braces are the perfect solution for you.
Your orthodontist will typically recommend you wear braces to improve your “orofacial” appearance. The following are common scenarios where braces may be needed:
- You lost your baby teeth at an early age: Even though everyone loses their baby teeth at some point, if you lost them at an earlier age, it may have taken a while for your adult teeth to grow. This could have interfered with the way your adult teeth erupted and developed.
- Your teeth are crowded or crooked: This is the most common reason why patients wear braces. If your teeth are crooked or crowded, it can be difficult to brush and floss. Poor oral hygiene can result in, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- You have gaps between your teeth: If there is too much space between your teeth, it can cause oral issues. This is the opposite problem of having crowded teeth and can be easily treated if you wear braces.
- Your jaw shifts or makes sounds: If your jaw is making funny noises it could be a sign of developmental issues with your teeth and jawline.
- You accidentally bite the sides of your cheeks: If this is a constant problem for you, it could signify that your teeth are misaligned. Wearing braces can correct an underbite or an overbite.
- You have a difficult time biting: Not only is this a nuisance, but it can also be harmful to your health. If your teeth are misaligned, braces can correct this issue.
- You are forced to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose: Do you frequently breathe through your mouth? If you wear braces, it can make breathing through your nose possible again.
When’s The Right Time For Braces?
If you want to correct your dental issues with orthodontic treatment, you can wear braces at almost any age. Ideally, it is best to wear braces between the ages of 10 to 14. This is because the head and mouth have not fully developed and the teeth are easier to straighten. With that said, if you want to wear braces you don’t have to be a child. In fact, an increasing number of adults are wearing braces to correct teeth misalignment and improve their smiles.
What are the Different Types of Braces I Can Wear?
The three types of braces include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.
Traditional braces: This is the most common type of braces, they consist of metal brackets and wires to shift the teeth gradually over time.
Ceramic braces: This type of brace uses tooth-colored or clear brackets and wires to shift the teeth. Ceramic braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces which is why some patients choose them instead.
Lingual braces: This type of braces is similar to traditional metal braces, however, the brackets and wires are attached to the inside of the teeth rather than the front.
Depending on the oral issue(s) you are facing, your orthodontist will be able to determine which appliance is best suited for you.
How Long Will I Have To Wear Them?
Every patient’s treatment time will differ according to their oral issues and age. For example, if you wear braces to fix a severe spacing or bite problem your treatment time will be longer. On average, patients wear braces for 18 to 30 months in total and then a retainer for a few months after.
Will Treatment Be Uncomfortable?
In order to shift your teeth or jaw into the desired position, your orthodontist in NE Calgary will tighten your wires at each appointment. It is normal to experience some slight discomfort afterwards but this will subside.
Where Can I Get Braces?
Your orthodontist will offer different orthodontic services, including family braces in NE Calgary. During your consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and diagnose your oral issues to create an effective treatment plan.