If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, congratulations! Straight teeth allow you to smile more confidently. What’s more, a recent research study determined that people with straight teeth are perceived as smarter and more successful.
However, irrespective of the benefits you get after straightening your teeth, there is no point in going into orthodontic treatment blindly – even your orthodontist does not want this for you. Asking the right questions about teeth straightening demonstrates your interest in the procedure. Also, once you understand the orthodontic treatment, you will take it more seriously.
In this detailed guide, Straight Teeth Invisible will show you the questions you need to ask your orthodontist before getting your teeth aligners.
Ask These 10 Questions to Better Understand Your Orthodontic Treatment
1. What Are My Options?
Today, various types of dental braces exist. Your dentist (orthodontist) will help you find an option that offers maximum benefits. Some of the options you will have access to include:
Transparent Teeth Aligners
Also known as invisible teeth aligners, transparent teeth aligners are a popular option for both adults and teenagers. Unlike traditional braces, invisible teeth aligners do not use wires and brackets – this makes them more comfortable. Also, the fact that they are transparent makes them less noticeable.
Metal Dental Braces
Mental dental braces combine wires and brackets to fix crooked teeth. One of the major differences between invisible teeth aligners and metal dental braces is that the metal braces are extremely visible. Metal dental braces are generally recommended for individuals with complicated dental problems.
Transparent Teeth Bracket Braces
Transparent teeth bracket braces feature a similar design to metal dental braces. However, unlike the metal braces, clear teeth bracket braces feature clear teeth brackets. This means that they are less noticeable.
2. Do You Have Examples of Similar Cases?
Even if the purpose is to ease your mind, request your orthodontist to show you videos, pictures, or other examples of similar cases that he/she has treated successfully. Nearly every orthodontist will have multiple pictures showing before and after for cases similar – or nearly identical – to their new patient.
3. What Benefits Does Orthodontic Treatment Offer?
Most people decide to invest in orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. Fixing crooked teeth boosts self-esteem and confidence.
It is, however, worth noting that transparent teeth aligners and dental braces can do much more for your overall health. Flossing and brushing are easier when your teeth are straight – this means that orthodontic treatment can give you healthier teeth and gums.
Misaligned teeth often make it hard for people to chew their foods right. If you are constantly swallowing pieces of food that are too big, this may create digestion problems. Straightening your teeth will allow you to chew properly, providing relief from digestive discomfort.
4. How Much Should I Expect to Pay for My Dental Braces?
The cost of dental braces depends on a wide variety of factors. Some of these factors include:
Your age
The work needed
The length of treatment
During your consultation, your orthodontist should help you understand the amount of money you will need to pay for your orthodontic treatment.
5. What Lifestyle Changes Do I Need to Make Before Getting My Teeth Aligners?
Before getting your orthodontic aligners, you will need to commit to healthy oral habits. Healthy teeth improve the success rate of orthodontic treatment. Straight Teeth Invisible has a detailed post discussing the things patients need to do before getting invisible orthodontic aligners.
6. How Many Months/Years Will It Take for My Teeth to Become Straight?
A large number of factors affect the time needed for orthodontic treatment. Since different patients have different goals for their orthodontic treatment, the length of the treatment varies.
Simple orthodontic treatments can be completed in just 12 months. When it comes to complicated cases, however, treatment may take longer – this may be 2 or 2.5 years.
However, do not let treatment length keep you from installing your transparent teeth aligners. Even if you avoid getting your aligners, time will still pass – so, why not get an attractive smile out of the time?
7. How Can I Ensure the Best Results from This Procedure?
Teeth straightening involves more than just visiting your orthodontist’s office regularly. While at home, you will have to take care of your aligners and oral health to get the best results.
When cleaning your teeth, be extra careful. Brackets tend to make it a little bit harder for patients to brush every section of their teeth. However, you can still use flossing to clean some of the hidden surfaces.
You may need to use some elastic bands on your dental brackets to move the teeth. Ask for guidance on how to use elastic bands so that you can do it correctly while at home.
To have an attractive smile when you finish your treatment, you may want to work on whitening your teeth. While teeth whitening may be impossible with metal dental braces, it will be possible with invisible teeth aligners.
8. Am I Allowed to Eat All Types of Foods After Getting My Orthodontic Aligners?
There are some types of foods you will need to eliminate – or limit – after getting your dental braces. The dentist will discuss these foods with you.
For starters, you may need to forgo hard and sticky foods – these may include ice cream, caramel, and candy. If you are wearing metal dental braces, hard food can bend wires and pop off the brackets. Sticky foods, on the other hand, can stick to the wires and may be very challenging to remove.
Popcorn kernels tend to stick between teeth and under the braces. This may lead to swelling and gum inflammation. For this reason, you may need to avoid popcorn while wearing your dental braces.
9. Can I Play Sports While Wearing Dental Braces?
During your orthodontic treatment, you may want to reconsider getting involved in contact sports. A big hit while playing football may lead to gum, lip, and mouth injuries from the braces. If you have to play sports, discuss using a mouthguard with your orthodontist.
10. How Many Times Will I Need to Visit the Office?
Patients generally need to visit the orthodontist’s office for progress reports and adjustments. The visiting frequency may depend on the current treatment plan. However, most patients visit their orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks.
Work with a Team That Fully Answers All Your Questions
At Straight Teeth Invisible, we ensure that all our client’s questions are fully answered. We believe in giving our patients a deeper understanding of our orthodontic practice before recommending the best treatment procedure.
We understand the importance of dealing with patients on a case-by-case basis. Each patient gets a specialized orthodontist assigned to him or her. Taking our time to analyze each case before suggesting a solution, we ensure our clients are getting the care they deserve.
We are ready to make your smile more memorable and improve your overall oral health. Book a FREE e-consultation today. We will ensure you are smiling more confidently by the time your orthodontic treatment ends.
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