Having an attractive smile is an important part of having a successful life. The importance of having an attractive smile cannot be overstated. Your smile is one of the most prominent features on your face.
The primary way that people get their teeth straightened is through braces. As anyone who has worn braces for a couple of years can tell you, life with braces brings about some changes. There are certain things that you need to consider while you’re wearing braces that you do not have to think about before you get braces. It is good to take the time to think about how wearing braces will impact your life and compare that impact with the benefits that getting braces will provide.
Before getting braces, sit down and talk to our orthodontists. Ask them whether or not they think you should get braces and the type of braces they recommend. Make sure to ask questions about extractions or jaw surgeries that you might need.
You also need to be realistic about your expectations regarding your life with braces. You need to understand that once you have braces applied, they are in your mouth 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will affect the types of food you can eat, they will affect the way that people look at you and they may have an impact on your speech.
A good question to ask our orthodontists is whether or not Invisalign® or some other invisible form of braces will work. It is also good to ask whether you will need upper braces, lower braces or both. Also, ask about whether or not you will need to use rubber bands to correct your bite, or if you will need headgear or some other appliance.
A big question to ask is how treatment will affect your facial profile. Most people do not realize how big of a role their teeth play in the shape of their face.
It is good to ask how long you will need to wear the braces. It is not uncommon for people to need braces for two years or more. Something else to ask is about the frequency of adjustments. You will need to have time in your schedule to get the adjustments done based on the program that our orthodontist lays out.
It is important to mentally prepare yourself for life with braces. Getting braces is a big deal. It not only changes the way that you look, but while you are wearing the braces, they will change the way that you live your life. When you talk to the experts at Petty & Bielik Orthodontics, you can learn more about what to expect with braces. We are located in Oak Lawn. Contact us today to schedule your free orthodontic consultation appointment.