No one likes the process of getting braces. It can take months, even years for braces to finish straightening your teeth, and that time may be uncomfortable or painful for the patient. Yet though the treatment itself is less than appealing, the results make the process bearable. Having straight teeth can be such a powerful boost to one’s confidence and social standing that it may be worth a bit of discomfort.
Braces take a certain amount of time to do their job, but there are ways to minimize the treatment time and get straight teeth fast. There are simple things you can do to optimize the efficacy of your braces which will, in turn, cut down your treatment time. Here is how to make sure you are not wearing braces any longer than you need to be.
Don’t skip…
The number one thing you should do to maximize the efficiency of your braces is maintain good oral hygiene. Having good brushing and flossing habits will help keep your teeth and braces clean, ensuring that plaque or bacteria buildup don’t do damage to your teeth and gums. Additionally, you’ll want to make regular dental appointments for professional cleanings and routine checkups. Keeping regularly scheduled office visits with your orthodontist are important to avoid delays in completing treatment.
Timing is everything
In addition to keeping good habits while you have braces, deciding when to get braces can actually impact your treatment timeline. Children are recommended to have an evaluation between the ages of 8 and 12. As they are growing, orthopedic development combined with orthodontic treatment can create space for the teeth. This can aid in avoiding the removal of permanent teeth and/or having an extended treatment time.
Often when kids and teens get braces, their jaws and teeth respond quicker to the process, reducing their total treatment time. Adults often experience longer treatment times because their teeth have stopped growing and are set more firmly in place.
It can be hard to predict whether or not you or your child will need braces, making it difficult to time the procedure appropriately. What percentage of people need braces anyway? As a matter of fact, almost 45% of people require braces to treat functional dental problems, making it relatively likely that you are among that group. Don’t wait until it’s too late to see the best effects; talk to your orthodontist about getting braces today.