Do you hate your smile and wish you had straighter teeth? If you’d like to correct your smile, then you should consider getting braces. Braces are the most effective way to straighten your teeth and fix your bite. Once you’ve decided to get braces, there are several things you should avoid doing.
Keep reading to learn some of the common braces mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1. Selecting the Cheapest Treatment
Getting braces can be expensive, so many people try and save themselves money by choosing the least costly treatment. While this can sometimes be an effective option for other needs, it is not always the best choice when you need extensive orthodontic treatment.
Many times the reason why the treatment is cheaper is that the orthodontist uses equipment that is outdated. This equipment might have been the most advanced at some point, but modern medicine is continuously improving, and the treatment you receive will not work as well as the more modern versions. This might also result in you wearing the braces for longer since they will take more time to correct your particular issues.
If you choose an orthodontist who is focused on continuing to advance their equipment and technology, you know you will be getting the most up to date care and techniques.
2. Choosing a Dentist Over an Orthodontist
When you need to get braces, it might seem like a convenient choice to do so at a regular dentist’s office. Dentists are skilled in providing general care but aren’t specialized in this particular area of orthodontia.
An orthodontist is required to spend two to three years in a residency program after their bachelor’s degree as well as continuing their education in dental school. This requirement will assure that you get the best care possible when seeking out a professional to care for straightening your teeth.
When choosing an orthodontist over a general dentist, you will save yourself time and money because you know you will be receiving the most expert care possible for fixing your teeth.
3. Waiting to Long
One of the most common mistakes when getting braces is not going when you are young. You should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for your children between ages 11 and 13, so they can look for potential issues with new emerging teeth and jaw growth.
This way, they can monitor how your children’s teeth are developing and begin planning for braces if they are needed. Your child’s mouth is still developing at this age, so adding braces now is the best time to adjust and straighten their teeth as they grow.
If you didn’t receive braces as a child and hope to have the smile you have always dreamt of, it isn’t too late. You should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist to learn what types of options you have and take the steps you need today.
4. Skipping Appointments
After you have received your braces, it is essential that you visit your dentist at least four times a year. With regular dental exams, you only need to go twice a year so you might be tempted to continue this schedule. However, braces need more care, and if you skip necessary appointments, it will lead to further oral health issues.
When you have braces and skip appointments, you are more prone to developing cavities which can lead to a cracked tooth, or gingivitis, which can lead to gum disease. In between visits, you need to brush regularly and floss often. Your doctor can show you the best way to floss while your braces are on.
If you have any issues, schedule an appointment to see your doctor. Do not try and solve the problem on your own as it might lead to further complications or severe issues.
5. Eating the Wrong Foods
One of the most important things to remember when you have braces is not eating any foods that are sticky or hard. These foods can stick to the wires or brackets of your braces, or even snap or break them.
If foods are stuck to your braces, it can lead to discomfort or eventually cavities. Broken wires and brackets will be uncomfortable or can even cause you pain.
These issues will lead to further appointments with your orthodontist and might even result in needing a new pair of braces which will hinder the progress you are making. Not to mention the price of having to start over and pay for a new pair.
Overall it is best to avoid these types of food and use these food for the duration of wearing your braces.
6. Not Wearing a Retainer
Once you have had your braces removed it is important to wear a retainer. This is one of the most critical steps in the process and ensures that your teeth remain in position once the braces are gone. Most people think that once their braces are off, they are done with the process and stop caring.
After the braces are off, your teeth need some additional help in achieving their permanent position. This is only possible by wearing your retainer regularly. If you skip this step, your teeth will shift out of their position, and you will have to start the process all over.
Learn More About Avoiding These Common Braces Mistakes Today!
These are some of the most common braces mistakes that people can make. When you decide to get braces for fixing your teeth, you should make sure you schedule an appointment with an orthodontist who has the most modern processes and equipment.
Once you have your braces on be sure to avoid eating hard and sticky foods, visit your orthodontist for regular exams and wear your retainer as recommended.
If you would like more oral health tips and information, be sure to visit our website daily!