When it comes to aesthetics, nothing induces fear quite like braces. Even the word “brace” is so ugly that dictionaries won’t even let you look it up. But why do so many people hate braces so much? Well, for starters, most people associate them with being poor and uneducated. In fact, when most of us hear the word “brace” we immediately think of awkward tubular contraptions worn by unfortunate souls who have woeful eating habits and no sense of style. So, if you’re one of the many who have been deterred from getting braces because you think they make you look uneducated or unkempt, read on to learn more about this amazing cosmetic procedure and how you can get a set even if you don’t need them.
How To Get Braces When You Don’t Need Them
Alternative braces
There are many types of alternative braces designed to look less conspicuous than traditional braces. These include Invisalign, which are clear braces that you can barely even notice, and self-ligating braces, which look like an “in-mout” retainer.
Get braces when you’re a child
This is a long-term investment that only pays off when you’re an adult; however, by getting braces when you’re a child you can avoid the awkward “in-most” phase of braces. This means, you’ll be expected to wear your braces for a few years, but in the end, it’ll all be worth it.
Ask your parents if they can get braces
Even though this might not be feasible for many people, it’s worth a try. After all, getting braces is a long-term investment, so it only makes sense to share the cost with your parents.
Who Needs Braces?
The In-Mout Retainer
This is by far the most popular alternative braces. Unlike conventional braces, these look like an in-mout retainer and are usually made of plastic or metal. This helps to cover up the screws and brackets that are typically seen on traditional braces.
The Invisalign Case
These are clear plastic trays that slide over your teeth. They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose ones that match your current wardrobe or they can be decorated with pictures, artwork, or other designs to help you stand out from the crowd. These trays have been known to change people’s perceptions of those who wear them because it can be hard to imagine anyone wearing them unless they have a medical condition that requires such a thing.
Self-Ligating Braces or Invisalign Placement Guides
These are clear plastic cases for brackets that you wear around your mouth; however, unlike traditional braces, these don’t require any wires or screws to keep them in place throughout the day and night. There are many different types of self-ligating braces available including Invisible Braces which use invisible bands instead of brackets to keep your teeth aligned without making you look like a freak show with all those wires and screws sticking out from under your gums! These are great for teenagers who want to look cool but also need some help getting their teeth straightened out; however, if you’re looking for a permanent fix, then you’ll have to get traditional braces.
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a series of clear trays that are made to be worn over your teeth during the day. They are so clear that they can be used with no brackets or wires at all; however, you still need the help of an orthodontist in order to get them fitted properly and adjusted to fit your teeth perfectly. This treatment is great for those who don’t want their braces showing at all and does not require any medical intervention at all; however, like traditional braces, it does require regular visits from a dentist for adjustments and cleaning.
Traditional Braces
These are metal brackets that are connected by metal wires that run from your teeth under your gums. The metal wires are usually visible because they usually come in pairs; however, these can be covered with rubber bands or plastic covers so that they look less conspicuous when talking, eating, or even just looking in the mirror. Your orthodontist will make sure that these stay in place throughout the day and night; however, you will have to wear them for around two years before it’s time to remove them completely! This is why people who wear these often refer to themselves as “braces-wearers” because they do become quite attached to their wirey accessories! Many people find these uncomfortable as well as inconvenient when compared with other types of braces; however, they are great for those who just want to get their teeth straightened out quickly without a lot of fuss and bother.
How Do Braces Work?
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How are teeth straightened?
Teeth are straightened when the growth of the tooth is changed. The way in which this happens is by using a small metal wire that we call a “wire”. It is inserted into the gums and then comes out through the front of the mouth to create a “bridge” or “arch” over your teeth. This wire can be made of many different materials such as metal, plastic, rubber, and even glass!
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Braces and Teeth
Braces are designed to hold your teeth in place while they grow, so they don’t fall back into their original position; however, they can also be used to help straighten out crooked or misshapen teeth. A lot of people find these uncomfortable because they feel like they are constantly biting on something; however, with time this feeling usually gets less and less until it becomes quite normal! Some people find them very inconvenient because it takes a lot of time to get used to wearing them; however, if you have never worn braces before then you may find them quite uncomfortable at first; this is why many people consider removable braces much more convenient for use during school or work hours as well as having them removed at night when you sleep.
How To Look After Your Braces?
- Keep Your Teeth Clean: Braces should be cleaned every day by running an interdental brush around all surfaces of the wires from front to back and then rinsing them with warm water. The wires should be cleaned using dental floss or a toothbrush, and then dried with a disposable cloth.
- Floss Your Braces: When you floss your braces, make sure that you hold the floss between the teeth in a way that allows them to slip between the wires easily. A lot of people find this difficult to do and so they don’t go through with it; however, this is one of the most important things to do.
- Change Your Braces: The wires should be changed every six months or so. This is when they become worn out and need replacing. Look for a new set of wires made by the same manufacturer as your current ones and then take them straight to your dentist for a fitting!
Conclusion
Braces are a fantastic way to straighten your teeth, and they are available in several different types, so you can choose one that is least visible if you want one. Braces can be expensive, but they are well worth the cost in the long run because they will prevent cavities and decay. So if you are considering braces, talk to your dentist so you can find out if you are a good candidate for them.
