Crooked teeth can be such a pain! Whether for practical or cosmetic reasons, whether done late or early in life, it’s very possible you will need to shift your smile at some point in your life. If that’s the kind of procedure that you need, what can you expect going in?
Go to a Dentist
You’re going to need professional help, so don’t try to just avoid the problem, no matter your fears regarding oral work! Dentists are here to help, and can give you the precise recommendations that you need. Every person’s mouth is going to be unique, so every person’s alignment will be unique as well. One person might need braces, another Invisalign, and another might need nothing at all! So find a local dentist or orthodontist you trust, explain your discomfort, and take their advice seriously.
Look at Your Options
Your dentist should outline these clearly for you, but generally, you’re going to have a couple of decisions to make. Make sure that your insurance will cover whatever option you want to pursue since alignment may or may not be considered a medically necessary procedure. If you are experiencing discomfort or bad dental hygiene as a result of your teeth, that should qualify the procedure—but it doesn’t hurt to check! The options usually are between braces (metal or ceramic) and aligners (traditional ones like Invisalign or special at-home versions that don’t require return visits to the dentist). Each has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, Invisalign has fewer food restrictions than traditional braces.
Be Diligent
Your dentist can only help you so much. At the end of the day, you’ve got to help yourself! As inconvenient as braces or Invisalign can be, it is absolutely essential that you use them. If you slack off on the dentist’s instructions, and do not utilize them correctly, you may not see the desired results. This would mean you would have to keep wearing them for even longer. Also make sure that you carefully follow the directions associated with the cleaning and maintenance of your aligners! Neglect on that end of things can create some really nasty problems with your dental hygiene that you definitely want to avoid.
As annoying as this whole process can be, you’re going to want to tackle it sooner rather than later. You’re going to be much happier in the long run—with both your hygiene and your shining smile. So don’t be afraid to take the first step!
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