All parents know that having straight teeth is extremely important. Teeth that don’t align properly can alter the way we talk, chew, and smile.
If left untreated, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can lead to sore jaw muscles, cracked teeth, headaches, and even cavities.
A common answer to misaligned jaws and crooked teeth is braces. However, when most people think of braces, they think of teenagers with mouths full of metal and bulky headgear…but braces aren’t just for kids anymore!
The fact is that approximately ONE MILLION Americans over the age of 18 have braces.
Many adults choose to receive orthodontic treatment in later life to correct dental problems that were not detected or fixed in childhood. Things like overbites and underbites, for example.
Other adults simply want braces to fix crooked teeth and beautify their smiles.
Depending on YOUR dental health profile and what you want to achieve, braces may be for you, but to make sure, your first step is to find an experienced Camarillo orthodontist you can trust. That’s where this article comes in. I’m about to tell you everything you need to know to make the most informed and confident decision you can about your dental health!
First, you need to find an orthodontist to see you for a free consultation to see your teeth and the alignment of your bite. They should also be willing to talk to you personally about any dental health issues or changes you’d like to see in your smile.
The orthodontist will carefully evaluate your specific questions or needs and decide on a plan to provide you with the best possible results.
The first mistake people make when choosing an orthodontist is that they don’t ask the right questions. They go in blind and let the orthodontist ask all the questions. Here are some things to ask before choosing an orthodontic doctor:
- How long have you been in Camarillo practicing Orthodontics?
- Do you belong to the American Academy of Orthodontics?
- Can you give me a general idea of how many patients you have treated?
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies that occur outside of business hours?
- What types of financing are available? Do you have a payment plan option available?
- Do you offer a variety of braces? If so, which ones?
Trust your instincts and, again, don’t feel intimidated or scared to come to your appointment with the orthodontist prepared.
The second mistake many people make is that they don’t research the different types of braces beforehand.
Braces are a huge must, and I recommend that you educate yourself on the different types of braces available and what you can expect from each.
Traditionally, brakes have three main components:
- Brackets that are attached to each tooth.
- Adhesive material that holds each bracket to each tooth.
- Arch wire, a thin wire that stretches from one support to another and holds the entire system together.
Today, there are generally three types of braces available.
- Metal braces are made of stainless steel and are the most common. Stainless steel is an incredibly strong material and is great for straightening your teeth or realigning your bite.
- Ceramic braces are made of ceramic. This means that they are almost transparent in color and much less noticeable than metal braces, and for many patients, this is very attractive.
- Invisible braces are removable, clear plastic slides that are the most discreet form of brace. These are the ones worn by Tom Cruise and other celebrities.
Invisible braces (or “aligners”) are not braces in the conventional sense of wires and brackets. Instead, they are a series of invisible slides that can be removed for eating and teeth cleaning.
Today, patients even have the option of choosing braces that attach to the back of their teeth, making them completely unnoticeable to people they come into contact with.
Yet another option is to use clear mounts, which reduces the “train track” look of metal mounts.
Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, a Camarillo orthodontist will talk to you about each type of brace and help you decide which one is best for you.
A third mistake people make is that they don’t clean their teeth before they put on braces. A couple of weeks before your braces are applied, you should have a professional dental cleaning by a good dentist to remove any plaque on your teeth.
On the day of the procedure, you should brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. This creates a nice clean surface to work on!
The fourth big mistake people make is thinking that their life is going to change completely after getting braces. This is simply not true.
It is a common misconception that when you get braces, you are severely limited in what you can eat.
The truth is that you can eat almost anything you want.
Of course, there are some exceptions, like apples (chop them up instead of biting them), gum (dental-safe, sugar-free gum is fine), and chewy candies like caramel, gummy bears, and more.
The problem with sticky foods is that they can clog the wires that hold braces in place and possibly pull them out of place.
Also keep in mind that if you have metal or ceramic braces, food can get trapped between the archwire and the braces, so maintaining a meticulous cleaning routine is vital.
Use an electric toothbrush or an “orthodontic cut” toothbrush, where the bristles taper into a “V” shape.
Orthodontic toothbrushes make it easy to clean hard-to-reach places, like between wires and brackets. Although they may cost you a little more than a regular toothbrush, they are more than worth the price. Trust me, your mouth will thank you.
The fifth and final big mistake people make when choosing an orthodontist in Camarillo is not comparing prices.
Most people agree; shopping is what you should do when you make a purchase. If you were thinking of buying a new house, would you buy the first one you saw? Probably not.
Well, the same is true when choosing an orthodontist.
Like a home, your teeth are something you “live” with 24/7…and before you commit to a specific Camarillo orthodontist, you should do some research and ” to buy”.
A good orthodontist is willing to give you a free consultation to talk with you one-on-one about your concerns and give you good advice on keeping your teeth healthy.
When you meet with a Camarillo orthodontist, be aware of the setting: Do you feel comfortable asking questions or do you feel rushed? How clean is the environment? How is the staff? Are they calm or rushed?
It’s also a good idea to ask for references from two or three previous patients to find out what their experience was like.
Were they satisfied with the experience? Did you have any difficulties with this orthodontist? If they did, how did the doctor react?
Find out all this, then when you feel comfortable, go ahead! Schedule an appointment. DON’T PROCRASTINATE!
Keep in mind that it is important to choose a qualified and experienced orthodontist in Camarillo who has the knowledge, skills, and facilities that best meet your needs.