Braces for the teeth are designed to work over time. The brackets, wires, and banding interlock and are placed on the teeth to work their magic over the next few years. Dental problems such as under- or overbites can be corrected by braces in addition to their ability to straighten crooked teeth. While braces give good results, they are also expensive making it important to carefully consider the good and the bad aspects prior to getting them.
Teeth Straighten
If your goal is straighter teeth, there is a good chance that you will acheive success with braces such as Invisalign. When placed when a patient is between the ages of nine to twelve, the chances of a successful outcome is even higher. In fact, the teeth generally remain straight over time, particularly when retainers are properly used. People who have straighter teeth often report feeling more confident and appear more attractive.
Expensive Treatment
One of the primary problems with braces, according to the Northwest Indiana Times, is that they are so expensive. The newspaper reports that the average cost runs between $4,000 and $7,000. Should the first set of braces not work, it may be necessary to apply the braces again. In that case, the cost can double.
Uncomfortable And Painful
It's important to consider the level of discomfort and pain that braces cause before making a decision. Both after initial placement of the braces and during regular maintenance in which the wires are tightened, jaw pain is quite common, according to orthodontics. org. Along with that pain, popping and clicking noises in the jaw are often experienced.
Braces Are Embarrassing
It's not uncommon for people to feel embarrassed by their appearance once the metal braces have been placed on their teeth. Younger patients are especially prone to this. Once the braces are in place, school age children often get teased by their peers, reports the Northwest Indiana Times. In addition, since braces are not common in the adult population, older patients often feel out of place. However, in order to reduce this level of social discomfort caused by metal braces, some patients opt for a newer type made of clear plastic fitted to their teeth. This piece also shows some of the bullying issues involved and their impact.
Tooth Damage Possibility
Although it happens rarely, the fact that treatment by an orthodontist may cause damage to the teeth must be considered. If the roots of the teeth are damaged when the braces are initially placed, the possibility of tooth death comes into play, reports orthodontics.com. Should this happen, a root canal is required. In addition, the tooth enamel can be damaged if the braces shift while in place or if they are incorrectly placed initially.