Worried That A Brilliant Smile Is Out Of Reach?
Braces are a great way to correct imperfections to your smile that might hold you back in various ways. These might not be just cosmetic, as braces are effective tools to deal with a multitude of orthodontic problems, ranging from jaw misalignment to incorrect bites. Unfortunately, the common understanding of braces is that there's a small window as a teen or younger child to get them done, and after that, they simply aren't a realistic option. Fortunately, that's not correct, and the fact is that adult orthodontics are becoming more and more common every year. With the advances in corrective apparatuses, there's never been a better time to consider braces, no matter your age.
Making Informed Decisions
You might ask yourself if you can you still get braces if you have fillings or other prior dental work. The great news is that you can - previous dental work shouldn't exclude you from getting high-quality braces, no matter what your needs are. In addition, braces are capable of correcting such a broad range of conditions that it is uncommon that they cannot be used as a solution for various jaw or tooth alignment problems. Going into your orthodontist's office ready to discuss your concerns is the key to being confident that your treatment can be successful. Your orthodontist will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options and how best to treat you, taking into consideration any aesthetic or comfort worries you may have. The more you understand about it, the better you'll feel about your treatment.
Understanding Your Options
Gone are the days of the extensive, uncomfortable hardware that plagued the nightmares of teenagers since the dawn of corrective braces. We now have options that include comfort and aesthetics on the list of treatment concerns, rather than simply correcting the problem itself. Old metal braces used to be pokey, uncomfortable, and garish, with wires that were difficult to deal with when eating or brushing. Modern metal braces are far more contained, petite, and easy to work around! In addition to traditional metal braces, there are choices that align teeth through progressive inserts, and even braces that go behind teeth. Both of these choices are designed with comfort and appearance in mind, and have pros and cons of their own.
Traditional Braces
These are what you probably think of when you think of braces. They are small metal or ceramic nodes affixed to the front of each tooth. Anchored on your back molars are fixtures that a wire is attached to, and ran through each of the nodes. At each appointment, your orthodontist tightens this wire, drawing your teeth closer together and aligning your bite until you have a straight, gorgeous smile. Though these are usually the cheapest braces, at least at base pricing, they are incredibly effective and are the most common method of correction. That said, they can be uncomfortable, and make brushing your teeth more of a chore. Beyond that, there are certain foods like caramels or popcorn for instance, that you shouldn't eat with these types of braces. The cons to these are largely minor inconveniences (unless you really, really like popcorn), which is fortunate.
Besides Straight Teeth, What are the Benefits of Braces?
Pros
Often the cheapest option
Very effective
Cons
Can be uncomfortable
Difficult to clean versus no braces or other types of braces
Each adjustment requires an in-office visit to your orthodontist.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand of clear inserts that slip over your teeth and slowly guide them to where you and your orthodontist want them to be. They're nearly invisible and hardly noticeable, offering fantastic solutions to people who need correction with braces but don't want a significant affectation to their appearance. Invisalign is more often than not more expensive on the front end. Your orthodontist will provide you with a new insert tray on a fixed schedule, until your teeth are perfect.
Pros
Nearly invisible
Comfortable
You can pop out the tray to brush and eat as you would normally.
Cons
Can be more expensive
Talking and playing instruments with the trays in can require some adjustment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are like traditional braces, only flipped. They go behind your teeth, making them completely unnoticeable except on close inspection. Lingual braces are very similar in function and comfort as traditional braces, but the major plus is that they don't affect your appearance. They work the same way as traditional braces, with office visits required to tighten and align the teeth.
Pros
Discreet and don't affecting eating or talking to the degree of traditional braces
Even more invisible than Invisalign
Can perform corrective adjustment in a shorter time than the other brace options, in some cases
Cons
Have the same comfort issues as traditional
Require more effort to clean than Invisalign
Require in-office visits to tighten and maintain
If you're ready to get started on your path to a beautiful smile and you're looking to get braces in Stafford, then give
Beecroft Orthodontics a call. Dr. Matt Beecroft and his staff are professional, highly skilled, and dedicated to your orthodontic needs. Dr. Beecroft's own experience with his father getting braces at the age of 59 is the undercurrent of everything he does, knowing that a healthy smile can provide such confidence to his patients. If you're looking in Stafford for orthodontic treatment, the caring, understanding staff at Beecroft will help you understand your options and come up with a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and desired outcome. Check out their website and schedule a consultation today!
Beecroft Orthodontics - 10472 Georgetown Dr, Fredericksburg, VA22553 Phone: 540 898 2200
Can You Still Get Braces If You Have Fillings?
