Our teeth are important not only to our physical health, but our confidence and emotional health as well. According to a recent survey, 32% of people are concerned about the appearance of their teeth — and it’s little wonder why. Our teeth are often the first thing people notice about us. A bright, straight smile makes a great first impression. When we don’t feel confident about the appearance of our teeth, we often attempt to hide them, which can ironically exaggerate the fact that there are flaws in our smiles. The way we smile can affect how we perform in job interviews, and for that matter the impression we make in general. One of the main ways in which our smiles can be less than perfect is through crooked teeth. Crooked teeth are aesthetically flawed, obviously, but can often also affect how we chew and process our food. Many people experience issues with their teeth that can be solved through braces — but it’s as not as easy as choosing an orthodontist as soon as we find one. There are many different types of braces on the market, serving a multitude of purposes. Although there are many Chicago orthodontists available, not all serve the same types of patients and issues. Below, we’ll look into the different types of braces available, which ones may be right for your case, and how they work.
Why Do We Need Braces?
When looking for braces in Chicago, you may be wondering why you need them in the first place. Not everyone feels as insecure about their crooked teeth as the average person, and indeed it may seem like a hassle. The need for braces often becomes apparent at a young age, but it can sometimes be many years before people realize that they need braces. Crooked teeth can, as we mentioned earlier, affect chewing. Braces also solve the issue of crowded teeth, which, with or without any crookedness, can negatively affect your jaw and bite. A crowded jaw can experience constant soreness and chronic pain, among other problems. When teeth have too much space between them, on the other hand, they can trap food between them and be at risk for infection and rot. Usually, the issues that cause a need for braces are detected when a person is between the ages of six and 12. Once you find an orthodontist right for your needs or the needs of your child, treatment usually begins when the patients is between eight and 14–though again, not always.
What Types Of Braces Are Available?
Teens in particular are often hesitant to get braces, with 92% reporting that they feel metal braces would give them trouble in regards to fitting in with their peers. As such, some convince their parents to put off braces, only to really need them once they become adults. While the types of braces offered to a patient vary depending on the patient’s specific needs, there are some basic types that people can usually choose from. There are three basic kinds of braces, all of which utilize wire and elastic bands to attach the braces together and line the teeth. There are brackets bonded to the front of the teeth; brackets bonded to the back of the teeth; and metal bands that wrap around the teeth. Although it’s recommended that children get their first orthodontic screening at seven, if braces are fitted too early this can cause the treatment to take longer than necessary. It will also cost more.
What Are Invisalign Braces?
Invisaligns are essentially braces that don’t look like braces. Clear, transparent, and much easier to remove, this option makes it easier for embarrassed teens to use braces. They’re also favored by adults who need braces but don’t want to wear them. It’s believed that teens that use invisaligns are two times more likely to experience boosted self esteem than children with traditional metal braces. These are great compromises — they have the same benefits without the embarrassment.