Four Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Braces
by Christy Long
Dental braces are great for improving teeth alignment, but just like other dental treatments, you need to understand what you are getting yourself into before getting braces. That is the only way to ensure that you are ready for dental braces and will do everything in your power to make the treatment a success. Here are some of the things you should know about dental braces:
An Orthodontist Has More Training Than a Regular Dentist
Dentistry is a broad field; a general dentist, therefore, deals with all manner of oral and dental health issues. Orthodontics is a specialty, however, and an orthodontist specifically deals with the straightness, shape, and arrangement of teeth. Just like other specialists, orthodontists start out as general dentists and then specialize via further education and certification; this means they have more training than other dentists.
This distinction is important; it means that if you want the best orthodontic treatment, you should get it from an orthodontist, and not a general dentist. Even if you have been using the same dentist for years and have a good relationship with them, seek an orthodontist's help if you want to straighten your teeth. In fact, your dentist will be more than willing to recommend a good orthodontist.
Many Orthodontists Offer Free Consultations
There are different ways of correcting dental misalignment; you can get braces (and there are many different types), headgear, face masks, and even corrective surgery, among other treatments. This means it is not easy to know exactly what your situation demands before consulting an orthodontist. The good news is that many orthodontists offer free initial consultations, which you can use to pinpoint the type of treatment you need.
Treatment Duration Varies a Lot
Orthodontic treatment can last as short as 12 months or as long as 28 months or last anywhere in between. This means if your friend's kid wore braces for a year and a half, you shouldn't expect the same treatment duration for your kid. Treatment duration varies depending on different factors such as the degree of correction needed, the age of the patient, and how much the patient is able to follow their orthodontist's instructions.
The Dental Bite Is Also Significant in Treatment
Lastly, you should know that your dental bite is also important for your teeth's alignment. If your teeth don't come together when you close your mouth, then your teeth are also likely not to be aligned. The good news is that dental braces will correct both the bite and misalignment issues, leaving you with an improved smile. Talk to your dentist for more information on what braces can do for you.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.