Orthodontics Guide

Orthodontic treatments are generally not that expensive compared with other personal services and the cost of an orthodontic treatment usually depends on the area you are staying and on the complexity of the patient’s case. Getting dental braces in a rural area may mean getting orthodontic treatments at a less expensive cost since there may be fewer orthodontists in there. However, getting braces in a more cosmopolitan area with experienced and recognized orthodontists will mean having treatments at a more expensive price. Also, the complexity of the case is an important factor that will determine how much a patient should expect to pay. All in all, it is better to look for an orthodontist who can set up an appropriate fee for your treatment.

As with all dental treatments, having dental braces requires good oral hygiene in order to sustain the health of your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing is needed as well as regular visits to your dentist so that your teeth remain clean and healthy. Aside from maintaining a balanced diet, try limiting your in-between-meals snacks (which commonly include nuts, popcorn, hard candies, etc.) since these can increase the chances of you accidentally bending the wires or chipping your brackets off. Also, if you are planning to engage in a sport or other activities which can accidentally cause injury to your mouth or jaw while on dental braces, use a protective mouth guard in order to keep the braces secured.

Finally, you have selected what you think is the right orthodontist for you and you’re excited to meet him or her to have your very first consultation. When meeting with your orthodontist for your consultation, be sure to pay attention to some important details which could guide you during the whole orthodontic treatment. Try asking some questions about his level of experience in the field and ask how extensive his know-how in the practice is. You can also request for some before-and-after photos of patients so that you can evaluate the results. Ask information about the treatment (technologies and methods used) and assess them based on the treatment plan your orthodontist has prepared for you.

Choosing the right orthodontist to do the orthodontic treatment will definitely take off some degree of anxiety to any patient wanting to have that perfect smile. Still, looking for the best orthodontist for you is no easy task and this means taking into consideration some important reminders that can help you choose an orthodontist whom you feel confident and comfortable with.

• Value your general dentist’s recommendation since general dentists coordinate with orthodontists regarding patient care. More often than not, your general dentist will refer you to an orthodontist he or she has connections with.
• Ask friends, colleagues, neighbors and other people you know whom they can recommend as a good orthodontist. This way, you can also base your decision on how these patients were satisfied with their orthodontists.

A malocclusion or a bad bite is one of the most common oral health problem in which orthodontic treatment is needed. It can be caused by several factors such as: a) Having a small mouth which can crowd permanent teeth; b) Tongue thrusting which can cause the protrusion of teeth (open bite) most especially in children; c) Having either extra teeth or insufficient teeth which can affect a person’s bite; d) Having a misaligned jaw and bone structure which can cause malocclusion by affecting the bite, and; e) Having poor muscular functional habits such as thumb sucking which can affect dental development.

Before, getting dental braces was like sealing your fate with the ultimate concept of being a “nerd”. Well, you do have to admit…who wouldn’t look strange with that metallic contraption strapped in your jaw, complete with this really unflattering headgear. It’s enough to make anyone shudder at the thought of having dental braces.

Now, dental braces have been improved for three main practical reasons: a) To reduce treatment time; b) To increase comfort during treatment, and; c) To improve aesthetic appeal. Today, getting dental braces means finally getting that beautiful, well-aligned smile minus the discomfort and anxiety that dental braces in the past have caused patients.

As an orthodontic candidate, you should expect a series of tests and reviews which your orthodontist will conduct on you to evaluate your bite. Your orthodontist needs to make an individualized treatment plan for you before undergoing orthodontic treatment by employing several methods of evaluation such as conducting oral, facial and functional examination, taking intraoral and facial photographs, panoramic and cephalometric x-rays, and creating impressions for models of your teeth and bite. The data gathered from these examinations and models will help your orthodontist in formulating the most suitable orthodontic treatment plan for you. Normally, orthodontic evaluations are done during your first visit to your orthodontist.

Ever felt conscious of wearing braces? Well, we all know that some people may have the tendency to feel that wearing braces is “uncool” given the popular notion that braces make you look like a geek (even though braces are obviously supposed to make you look better after). Would it make you feel any better if you would know that a lot of famous people also wore braces? I am sure this list will certainly give you a boost to try wearing those braces proud.

• Martina Hingis, Swiss tennis player, wore braces during a competition.
• Kim Zymeskal, teen gymnast in the mid 80’s, was featured on Sports Illustrated front cover wearing braces.
• Gwen Stefani, fashion icon and musician, said she wears braces occasionally since it makes her feel young.
• Tom Cruise wore braces in 2002.
• Chelsea Clinton had her braces on for over a year.
• Tai Babalonyia, US pairs figure skater, wore full bands during the ‘76 Olympics.
• Li’l Bow Wow wore braces in 2002.