Wearing Braces | 5 Quality of Life Considerations

Quality of life considerations with wearing braces. According to research, one of the first things people tend to notice about other individuals is their smile. And that’s why so many people are interested in perfecting their teeth. From teeth whitening to bonding, there are several procedures that can improve your appearance. One of the most popular ways to improve your smile is by having your teeth straightened. If you’re interested in getting braces, then there are several things you should consider – especially when it comes to how they’ll affect your quality of life.

Wearing Braces in Photographs

They can have a huge effect on your appearance. While this may only be a temporary change, there are certain instances in which your decision to get them can have a big impact. This is particularly the case when it comes to photographs. They tend to be extremely visible in photos.

So if you have any big events coming up soon such as weddings, reunions, anniversaries, or even employee IDs, then keep in mind that they may be the first thing people notice when they look back at the pictures. There’s also a chance that you may feel more self-conscious when smiling in them. This is why many people choose Invisalign. It’s transparent and not easy to see in pictures.

Restricted Foods Issues

A lot of people don’t realize how much your eating habits must change. You see, although technology has ensured that your wires and brackets are very sturdy, it’s still very important that you don’t eat anything that may damage them. Certain foods have the ability to break the brackets, wires, and rubber bands.

After getting them, your orthodontist will likely present you with a list of foods that you should avoid until you get them off. And it may be some of your favorites. This list includes gum, hard and sticky candy, hard taco shells, popcorn, nuts, ice, crackers, and more. One of the best things about Invisalign is that it can be taken out and put back in. And this gives you the ability to eat the foods that you’re used to.

Frequent Doctor Visits

It’s important that you keep maintenance in mind as well as all of the time that it can take. You’ll spend a significant amount of time at the orthodontist because your teeth need to be checked on a regular basis. There are several steps taken during these visits.

First, they’ll remove your elastics and dispose of them if they’re worn out. They’ll then remove the archwire. After this, they may instruct you to brush and floss your teeth while your mouth is free of the wires. Next, the doctor will examine your teeth to ensure that they’re making progress as well as make sure that you’re properly caring for them. They’ll then place the archwire back onto your teeth and give you new elastics.

There are also times in which you may need to schedule unplanned appointments. Perhaps your rubberbands have worn out and popped out of place. Maybe your wire is uncomfortable and needs to be adjusted. Perhaps you’re concerned about a bracket. There are several instances that can require attention and extra time. If have typically lead a busy life then this may not be a great fit for you.

Hygiene Practices

If you’re used to simply brushing, flossing, and rinsing, then you should be prepared to add a little extra time to your oral hygiene routine. Why is this? Well, you’ll notice when wearing braces that your brackets have a lot of tiny spaces in them. And this allows food to become trapped. So if you want to avoid plaque and cavities, then there are a few extra steps that you should follow.

For instance, you should be prepared to brush after every single meal; whether it’s large or just a simple snack. You should also use mouthwash and floss once a day. Your doctor will likely encourage you to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so that you’re able to clean around the pins and wires. It’s also a good idea to brush from the top of each of your wires down to the very bottom. This may seem excessive but neglecting these things can lead to huge problems. The smallest details can make a big difference.

Discomfort When Wearing Braces

Most people have been warned about the discomfort that comes along with the first installation. They understand that their mouth will be sore once the wire is tightened and that it will only last a few days. However, you should also consider the discomfort that comes with every checkup.

During your follow up visits, the doctor will tighten the wire in order to ensure that your teeth continue to straighten. And this means that you may feel days of discomfort after each visit. One of the best things about Invisalign is that it doesn’t require as many checkups and there’s less discomfort involved.

Conclusion

It’s no secret, straightening your teeth can have a huge impact on your appearance. However, it’s important to remember that teeth straightening can sometimes come with a cost. And this is especially the case when it comes to braces.

You need to be prepared for awkward photos when wearing braces. You should be prepared to do away with certains foods that you may love. Expect to spend a considerable amount of time at the orthodontist office. Factor in extra time when it comes to your oral hygiene routine. Also, be prepared for this discomfort that comes with routine checkups. Even though each consideration may seem small, when you add them up they can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Luckily, if you’re interested in straightening your teeth, there are other options. They don’t require as much time, discomfort, and won’t alter your appearance. The most important thing is to examine your priorities so that you can figure out which option is best for you. So consult with Dr. Gluck and his team to find out what choices you have.

Wearing Braces | 5 Quality of Life Considerations

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.