6 Facts You Should Know Before getting Braces
Occlusion is a term that refers to teeth alignment. Ideally, teeth should easily fit in the mouth without spacing or crowding issues. They also shouldn’t be twisted or rotated. Then comes malocclusion–a deviation from ideal occlusion.
Examples of teeth malocclusion disorders include:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth can be a huge blow to your self-esteem which is why dentists recommend braces to help align your teeth. Braces work by exerting pressure on your teeth for a certain period of time till they are well-aligned.
If you are looking to have braces but are still unsure, these facts will help you better understand the appliances.
1. Anyone Can Use Braces
Although most people associate braces with teens, this is simply because it is during this age that you will first notice your crooked teeth. Therefore, when it comes to braces, there’s no age limit. Anyone can get this corrective treatment, so you need not shy off because of stereotypes. Provided you have healthy and strong gums and teeth, braces can help align your smile.
The only people that aren’t eligible candidates are those with generally poor dental health or weakened gums. This is because the devices could exert excessive pressure on the gums. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to spot adults wearing braces. Many of them had crooked teeth as kids but couldn’t afford the cost of braes. Now adults, they turn to this braces to fix their malocclusions that have prevented them from wearing their smile with confidence.
2. It’s Not Just About Straight Teeth
Although many people think that the end goal is straighter teeth, this isn’t entirely true as braces come with a whole load of benefits. They include:
- Improved chewing abilities
- Improved speech
- Ease of brushing and flossing teeth
- Reduced periodontal disease and cavities
- Reduced chipping and grinding of teeth
- Lowered risks of injuries resulting from protruding teeth
3. Your Markham Dentist May Need to Fix Your Bite
Besides ensuring your teeth are straight, the dentist also makes sure your bite is even. If you have an even bite, your upper and lower jaws fit properly when you close your mouth. An uneven bite is characterized by gaps between the meeting points of the rows of your teeth.
Left untreated, bite issues could lead to speech and chewing difficulties as well as TMJ-related headaches.
4. Find an Orthodontist
Simply put, an orthodontist isn’t your regular dentist. Orthodontists receive special training in jawbone function and dental movement. Because of this, they can perform duties of a regular dentist but their field of specialization is teeth movement in the mouth. This is why they are the perfect specialists for prescribing, fixing and monitoring your dental braces.
There are cases where dentists fit their patients with braces, convincing them how it is more time-saving and cost-efficient than going to the orthodontist. While this isn’t a bad approach, there is a possibility that things could go south because a regular dentist lacks an orthodontist’s training. The braces could be fitted wrongly and so you have to get them fitted again at a fee. Ensure you do it right the first time.
5. You Don’t Have to Pay For Consultations
Most orthodontist consultations are free. You can therefore visit the specialist recommended by your dentist and if you are comfortable with them, schedule a second, third or fourth appointment.
You will be wearing braces for a long time, so it’s only wise that you find a good specialist that you can go to for follow-up appointments, adjustments and also develop a relationship with.
6. ‘Stylish’ Isn’t Always Healthy
With the new trends in braces, dentists are having issues with patients that ignore their recommendations. Most people are ditching traditional braces for invisible aligners that as the name suggests, cannot be easily noticed. While it is okay to want inconspicuous braces, not everyone is a suitable candidate.
Convincing young people that the option they want may not work for their benefit is quite hard, but if they accept the dentist’s recommendations, they will be happy with the end results.
Finding the Right Dentist near You
At New Delhi Dental, we understand the power of your smile, that is why we do all we can to fix your misaligned teeth. We provide dental braces in Markham, ON for teeth straightening. Our Markham dentist will be glad to fit you with brand new teeth braces. Are you in need of a dentist near you? Call us today and book an appointment.