Are they right for you?

Misaligned teeth don’t only affect your confidence–they can greatly impact your bite and how well you clean your teeth. It’s difficult to floss and brush your teeth properly when they’re crowded on one another, and when you can’t clean them right, it increases your risk of getting an oral disease. Misaligned teeth might also cause you to unintentionally clench and grind your teeth. This will lead to jaw pain, tooth erosion, or even cracks. Are you wondering if braces are the right choice for you? You might be a great candidate for this orthodontic treatment if you have the following dental concerns:

• Difficulty flossing
• Frequently biting your tongue
• Open bite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Tooth crowding

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces have metal wires and brackets that are attached to your teeth to align them in place. These are the most common type of braces as well as the most noticeable. Some people may feel self-conscious when wearing traditional metal braces, but they also have the option to choose colored bands to make them look prettier.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similarly designed like traditional metal braces. They have the same size and shape; however, the brackets are constructed with a tooth-colored ceramic material. As a result, they’re far less noticeable. Furthermore, keep in mind these are slightly more expensive than traditional braces and can stain easily if you don’t properly care for them.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are also made of metal, but they are attached to the back of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the outside. For those who don’t want their braces to be visible, these have a great advantage. On the downside, lingual braces will make your orthodontic treatment slightly longer, can come into direct contact with your tongue, and are more difficult to keep clean.

Clear Aligners

These take away the brackets and wires and allow you to straighten your teeth with a custom-made plastic aligner. You can take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth, so they’re perfect for those who don’t want to make any lifestyle changes. Clear aligners will need to be replaced every few weeks as your teeth shift to their correct position. These are also the most expensive option.

After completing your orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering what’s next. First, you can finally eat what you couldn’t before! However, it’s best to wait a few months because your teeth and gums might be sensitive. It’s also normal to see a bit of discoloration on your teeth. If you want to get teeth whitening for an even smile, we recommend waiting a few months.

You Will Need Retainers

Getting your braces removed isn’t the final step in your orthodontic treatment! Wearing a retainer is perhaps the most important step to take afterward. If you don’t, you risk your teeth shifting back to what they were before your orthodontic

You Will Need to Schedule a Dental Exam

It’s important to schedule a dental exam shortly after your braces have been removed. Your dentist will make sure no other oral issues have occurred, that your teeth are completely straight, and that your bite is fully aligned.

Cleaning Your Teeth Will Be a Lot Easier

Now that you don’t have those metal brackets in the way, brushing your teeth will be much easier. Start using a soft-bristled toothbrush because your gums might be more sensitive. Keep up with your good oral hygiene practices since you can work with them better now that your braces are off.

Do You Need Braces in Boca Raton?

Are you ready to completely transform your smile? Call Shapiro Family Dentistry today and ask us about braces and our other orthodontic treatments!