Adult braces can give you the perfect smile you've always wanted. Plus, braces today are much less conspicuous, so you won't feel self-conscious about wearing them when you're in the workforce. However, you want to think through the process thoroughly so you aren't caught by any surprises. Here are a few things to consider.
Job Security
Braces are expensive, and if you're getting them for cosmetic reasons only, your insurance probably won't help pay for them. If you don't have money saved up to pay in cash, you'll need to arrange monthly payments—much like paying for a car. Since treatment can take a couple of years or more, you'll want to make sure you have a secure job. You don't want to lose your ability to pay for your braces a year into treatment. Also, think about what would happen if you are transferred to another city or need to move to another state to land a great job. It could be difficult to transfer orthodontic care. Your new dentist may want to start over with a completely new contract that doesn't include a discount for work already done. If you can't make it back to your original orthodontist for treatment, moving could set back your treatment plan and your finances. So, if you have a temporary job or know you will move in the near future, you may want to wait until you have steady, long-term employment before you get braces.
Type Of Braces
Clear aligner trays are marketed to adults because they are removable and more convenient to wear. However, you might not be a good candidate for these trays. There is a chance you will need to get traditional braces to achieve the best results with your teeth. Even so, you don't need to worry about having a mouth full of ugly metal. Today you can get braces that fit behind your teeth as well as front-fitting braces that have clear wires or tooth-colored plates that make the braces nearly invisible. The important thing is to let your dentist choose the best type of braces that will correct your particular problem in the best way. Everyone is different, so you'll have to be flexible when it comes to the type of braces you need, as well as how long you'll have to wear them. The first step is to have a consultation with an orthodontist to find out your options.
Oral Hygiene
When you get braces, you have to commit to practicing good oral hygiene. If you wear clear aligner trays, you can remove them to brush and floss your teeth, so oral hygiene is much easier. But if you wear metal or ceramic braces, you'll have to brush and floss around them. Since food gets stuck on the braces every time you eat, you'll want to brush after each meal to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. That means you'll need to carry a kit with you to work so you can take care of your teeth throughout the day. Plus, you won't be able to use tooth whitening products while wearing braces, so good hygiene will help keep your teeth as white as possible.
The Retainer
Adult teeth are usually more difficult to move permanently than children's teeth because the jawbone and skull are fully formed. That means your teeth are at a greater risk of moving out of alignment once the braces come off. For that reason, you may need to wear a retainer for years after your treatment is complete. You may need to wear a clear retainer during the day and a different one at night while you sleep. Although you may need to wear it for a long time, you can take the retainer out when you eat, brush your teeth, or when you just don't want to be seen wearing it.
In addition to the above points, you'll also want to read the contract with your orthodontist carefully before you begin treatment. The contract helps you understand your responsibilities when it comes to financial matters and office visits for adjustments in the coming months and years. Investing in braces is just like any other big investment. As long as you know what you're getting into, and you're prepared for it, the investment can greatly benefit your life. In the case of braces, that means you can finally have a smile you're proud of, and that gives you confidence in your personal life as well as in your career.
For more information, contact a company like Braces Inc.
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