Having a tidy white smile has long been one of the core beauty ideals to grip our society. Even those who aren't interested in taking care of their hair or wearing expensive branded clothing are likely to wish for a straighter, brighter smile. There are plenty of ways to take care of the whiteness of your teeth, but having them straightened out can be a little more complicated and expensive. As such, you should make sure you know what you're getting into. As such, here's some advice and information for anybody looking to have an orthodontic procedure.
Traditional Braces
The cheapest and most common option for those looking to have their teeth straightened is to opt for traditional metal braces. Your specialist may need to remove teeth first in order to guarantee a nice straight smile. Then, brackets will be glued to your teeth and wire fed through them. Over time, the wire will be tightened, and switched out for thicker, stronger wire, in order to slowly guide your teeth into an even position.
The process is not usually painful, but you may experience some discomfort right after your braces are tightened, and the sensation of having brackets glued to your teeth does take some getting used to. It can take upwards of 12 months for the process to be completed, and you'll need to make sure you keep your teeth and the braces very clean. Failing to do so can cause discoloration of your tooth below the bracket.
Clear Aligners
If you're wary of the appearance of metal braces, you can opt for clear, retainer-like mouthguards instead. These are designed to be worn as much as possible, but you can remove them for cleaning and suchlike. The aligners will be switched out as your teeth move, slowly bringing them to the desired shape. Like traditional braces, it will take at least a year to complete the process. The only real difference is the lack of visible brackets and wires on your teeth, and you will need to pay more for this privilege. However, if it's the look of braces which are preventing you from getting your teeth straightened, this may be an excellent option for you.
Whatever you choose, be ready to commit to aftercare. Once the procedure is complete, you'll need to wear a retainer for at least six months and then wear a retainer at night for the rest of your life. Otherwise, your teeth may shift right back to where they started. If you take care of your teeth, though, your new smile will last a lifetime. For more information, contact a dentist.
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