5 Things to Know Before You Get Braces

When you think about what you can do to fix crooked teeth to enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile, you think about braces. It’s no surprise, really. Dental braces have long been thought of as the go-to teeth straightening treatment. In spite of its tried and tested tenure in the dental industry, you might still have some questions and worries about taking this step – and that’s understandable. It’s a big decision and there are several important factors you need to explore before taking this step, including alternative treatments that are worth discussing. There may even be some difficult truths that you need to face. 

That’s why we’ve put together five of the most important points you should consider if you’re thinking about whether or not to get braces. We hope this will help you weigh things up and make the right choice for you and your teeth.

 

Here are the 5 things we think you should consider before getting braces:

  1. Fixed vs. Removable Braces
  2. The Affordability of Braces
  3. Braces Aren’t Always Comfortable
  4. Can You Cope With the Aesthetic of Braces?
  5. Choosing the Right Orthodontist the First Time
  1. Fixed vs. Removable Braces

Nowadays, you have a choice between fixed dental braces and removable braces. When it comes to fixed braces, it’s generally accepted that you’ll benefit from very precise tooth movement and is most commonly used when your teeth need a significant amount of movement to achieve ideal results. The braces are typically made out of metal and fixed to your teeth for around 18-24 months. Once your braces are off, you’ll need to wear a retainer. It’s a serious, long-term commitment, can be pretty expensive, and there’s some discomfort involved. 

And then there’s the removable option. At Shine Dental Clinic we offer a wide choice of private orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. The two removable brace treatments we highlight to our patients are the Six-Month Smiles System and Invisalign.

Six-Month Smiles System:

  • It’s extremely quick, effective, and safe.
  • An award-winning orthodontic means of treating patients with orthodontic problems that affect their front teeth.
  • It’s affordable and short-term,  with the treatment lasting, on average, 6 months. 
  • Not completely invisible, but far more discreet and comfortable. 

Invisalign Treatment:

  • A quicker straightening solution than fixed braces.
  • The aligners are clear and removable, so it’s far more discreet. 
  • The aligners are designed for your mouth, so it’s more comfortable.
  • Treatment can be completed in 6 months, with results visible between 3-18 months.

The question you have to ask yourself is if you’re absolutely committed to wearing them and whether you’d be just as committed to wearing your retainers post-treatment. If you aren’t, you’ll slow down the process, make it take longer to achieve the results you want, and ultimately waste your money. The same could be said of fixed braces, where if you don’t wear your retainer after your braces are removed, your teeth could shift back. That’s an even bigger waste of your time and money.

  1. The Affordability of Braces

Prepare yourself, because the truth is that fixed braces aren’t cheap. The price differs between dental clinics, but you can expect to pay around £1000 or more. This isn’t possible for everyone, but it’s something you can budget for and pay over several months in order to gain the priceless feeling of a beautiful smile. Remember, straightening your teeth is a long-term investment in your appearance and your health. 

That said, it’s also worth talking to us about our other affordable teeth-straightening orthodontic solutions, including Invisalign and the Six-Month Smiles System. 

  1. Braces Aren’t Always Comfortable

There’s no getting around it. Fixed braces can be uncomfortable at times, although modern advancements mean that it isn’t as uncomfortable as it used to be. Still, the first week or so could be painful, with the worst pain usually experienced on the days just after your braces are applied and after you have the wires tightened. The pain feels like pressure and aching in your jaw, which you can alleviate with an over-the-counter pain reliever or holding ice against the outside of your jaw. 

You may also experience a stinging pain when the wires and brackets scrape your cheeks and tongue, which you can minimise by applying braces wax on the braces that are rubbing your mouth. There’s also oral numbing gel that you can apply to the irritated parts of your mouth.

It’s worth noting that the general discomfort, pain, and abrasions on the cheeks and gums are less common with Invisalign and the Six-Month Smiles System. 

  1. Can You Cope With the Aesthetic of Braces?

We want to say right now that there’s no shame in worrying about what you’ll look like with fixed braces. After all, you’ll be wearing them for up to two years. It’s actually really important to consider if you’ll be alright with this change to your appearance as this could impact your self confidence. If you can’t face this, you may want to explore more discreet teeth straightening solutions.

What we can say, is that it has also been proven that having a straight smile can increase self-esteem and boost confidence levels, so the reward does outweigh the ‘cost.’ In our opinion, if you’re going for fixed braces, then go for the best braces colours that are on trend. Currently, dark blue braces are all the rage and we think it’s a bold, beautiful choice.

  1. Choosing the Right Orthodontist the First Time

Finding the right orthodontist is the most important factor to consider in this list. Fixed braces are both costly and time consuming, and switching orthodontists for whatever reason once you already have your braces on is hardly the move you want to make. 

We strongly urge you to start with a consultation so you can familiarise yourself with your orthodontist and talk about the treatment options available. You can also discuss how having straight teeth will impact your life, what the treatment you settle on will feel like, and what the after-treatment journey is like. Not only this, but during your visit you can take a tour of the clinic and get to know the rest of the team and staff at the dental clinic with whom you’ll interact.

While straightening your teeth is the definitely a course of action we believe in, having seen it make a big difference for thousands of happy patients, the actual treatment is something we need to explore with you during a consultation. At Shine Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on treating all patients with the highest standard of care and will advise you if our dentist feels that fixed braces, Invisalign, or our Six-Month Smiles System would be a better option for you.

To book your appointment with Shine Dental Clinic, call us on 01420 550616 today.

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