Today, almost everyone wants to have a set of pearly white teeth, as having a nice smile is more than just dental hygiene. Your teeth do not only impact your appearance but overall well-being too. However, not everyone is born with straight teeth. According to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, approximately 4 million people in the US opt for an orthodontics treatment at least once in their lifetime.
So, what is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects improperly positioned teeth to improve their appearance. The spacing between the two adjacent teeth and crowded teeth are the two most common reasons why people need an affordable orthodontist in Edmonton. However, orthodontic treatment can also treat overbite, crossbite, upper front teeth protrusion, open bite, crowding, and spacing.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
There is a wide range of dental appliances used to move teeth to the right position, usually known as braces. The braces work by putting gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws and moving the misaligned teeth to the right position.
Dental braces do not only help you get straight teeth but can also help correct misaligned teeth, bite issues and ultimately improve oral health. A reputable orthodontist in Edmonton can help answer any questions you may have about your orthodontic treatment.
So, what are braces?
Traditionally, people used to wear metal braces, which include the following:
- Brackets are attached to the teeth and have slots on each side
- Wires are threaded through the slots in the brackets
- Tiny rubber bands hold the wires to the brackets
Some people may require metal bands for their back teeth. However, these metal bands may not work for everyone. Here is where Invisalign comes into play.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are invisible aligners made up of BPA-free clear plastic. These aligners are virtually invisible, but their primary function is the same as metal braces. i.e., straightening your teeth by gently moving them into the proper position over time.
However, not everyone can have invisible aligners Depending on the severity of your dental issue, our orthodontist can suggest whether you need metal braces or Invisalign. So, before you get yourself braces, it is wise to find an affordable orthodontist in Edmonton and schedule your free consultation to discuss your case.
What is the right age to get braces?
In the past, it was considered that children should get braces by the age of 12 to 15. At this point in life, teenagers have almost all their permanent teeth and can easily adjust. However, with the advancements in dentistry, now anyone can have dental braces, regardless of their age. So, no matter at what point of life you think you need dental braces, your orthodontist can help you get straight teeth and improve your oral health.
What can you experience after having braces?
Regardless of the reason why you are planning to opt for orthodontic treatment, you may experience the following things:
- You may have a minor lisp
- You may experience pain while wearing braces
- There is an uncomfortable feeling for the first few weeks
- Flossing becomes a challenge
- Food may get stuck in your braces that need to be removed right away
- Braces will make your lips look a little different
- You may have cuts inside your mouth
The bottom line
When you opt for orthodontic treatment, you may experience some anxiety, which is natural. However, knowing how to prepare for braces and what the procedure entails can help you ease your anxiety. So, schedule your free consultation with your orthodontists to know more about orthodontic braces in Edmonton.
