More and more people are interested in getting their teeth aligned to improve their looks and quality of life. There are various reasons why you might want to get your teeth straightened. They may be skewed to one side, overlapped, have gaps between them, or crooked.
A study by Dental Tribune shows that 75% of people who got the teeth straightening treatment are experiencing a significant positive change in their lives, while 92% would recommend others to get the orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, and sales began in the United States in 1999. Invisalign in Singapore, or Asia Pacific was introduced in 2007 and like any other new inventions, it struggled to gain wide acceptance and popularity because orthodontists, as well as patients in Asia took time adjusting to the new dental technology presented by Invisalign. Finally, Invisalign’s direct presence in the Asia Pacific region was felt in 2013, with China becoming the largest country market in no time, doubling its growth every year. At present, they have 3000 active providers with 500,000,000 starts every year. Since then, the Invisalign movement in the Asia Pacific saw steady growth.
Several states in the US offer affordable dental care options and payment plans that make it convenient for you to get the treatment. For instance, you’re in luck if you are located in Alabama; the state offers lower than the average cost for dental health. But the cost is not the only thing to consider; you also need to sort out other things before making a final decision. Let's read about them:
1. Different Kinds of Treatments
There are a variety of options for straightening teeth, fixing incorrect bites, misaligned jaw, and crowded or crooked teeth. The most widely used treatment is braces; according to the Orthodontics Association, around 3.5 million people get braces yearly.
People who don’t like their jaws restricted in a wire opt for clear aligners. These are transparent aligners custom-made for each person; they can be taken off before eating or when you feel discomfort. But they must be worn for 22 hours a day for effective results. For people in Mobile, Alabama, look up clear aligner teeth straightening treatment in Mobile, Alabama and review available options.
Veneers are another option you can go for. These are lightweight and unnoticeable caps custom-made for your teeth. They enhance your smile while fixing your teeth at the same time.
Every procedure has pros and cons to be considered. Consult your orthodontist to decide which treatment is ideal for you and your teeth.
2. Know The Costs Involved
Dental treatments are usually more expensive than other medical treatments. Knowing the cost is essential before you select any teeth straightening procedure. Mostly, your insurance may cover some of the cost, while you would have to pay yourself in some cases. The prices may vary depending on several factors, like the type of braces or aligners you'll get, the extent of the procedure, and the experience of your dentist.
Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Take a second opinion if you are not satisfied with one professional and ask for expenses of the whole procedure or if they offer any payment plans.
Some orthodontic procedures call for different appliances that impact the overall cost of braces. For instance, some people require retainers after receiving braces to correct any lingering dental issues or preserve results.
To avoid being caught off guard later, discussing these potential expenditures with your orthodontist at the start of treatment is better.
3. The Length of the Procedure
Your dental care professional may tell you an estimated time for your treatment, but there is no exact time frame for the procedure to be complete to get the desirable results. Uncomplicated cases can be treated in a few months, while it may take years to align your crooked teeth completely.
The utilized oral appliances, your age, and the state of your teeth play a part in the period it takes to fix your teeth. If you want to use metal braces, it will take two years, but it can take up to four if your teeth are severely out of alignment.
Additionally, if you choose clear aligners, the treatment entails wearing one set of aligner trays for two weeks before switching to another. With clear aligners, the length of treatment can be as short as six months. Clear braces might take up to two years to fix severe alignment problems.
4. Research About The Pros And Cons Of Procedure
Like anything else in life, orthodontic treatment has its advantages and disadvantages.
While going for a dental procedure may reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease, it can make brushing and flossing challenging. It could be a little tougher to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue as clean as you once did because of all the gear in your mouth. You can also experience a little soreness in your mouth and will have to select softer meal options until your mouth adjusts to the gear.
It is preferable to research the process ahead of time and be aware of the benefits and drawbacks.
5. Verify Your Doctor’s Experience And Credentials
Knowing your orthodontist's credibility before choosing a dental care professional is essential. They must be qualified and have verifiable experience in the field. Competent dental professionals must practice the latest technologies and methods and be associated with reputable organizations and dental institutes.
You can ask them about their years of experience in the field. Additionally, you can look for reviews on Google. The best way to determine the competency of a dentist is to listen to what their patients say about them.
Dentists may boast about the greatness of their services and treatments on their websites, but the patients are always honest.
6. Food To Avoid
Once you go for teeth straightening treatment, there is no going back. You will have to avoid certain food items that can affect your treatment. However, you can start eliminating foods from your diet that could cause major issues before starting the procedure. It would make you accustomed to it beforehand and make it less overwhelming.
After your treatment appointment, your teeth may feel sensitive. The first few days are best suited for soft foods like oatmeal and soups. Consuming hard-to-chew food like nuts and crackers may cause it to get stuck in the braces or aligners. And since you are not used to new appliances in your mouth, the food can damage the gear resulting in additional costs to get it fixed.
Conclusion
Teeth, as hard as they look, have to be dealt with in the most sensitive ways and going for dental treatment requires more than it seems. We hope you will consider the points mentioned above before agreeing to the teeth straightening procedure to avoid any regrets later.