When to correct your teeth
The simple answer is whenever. There is no age limit. You may be unhappy with your child’s teeth alignment or perhaps there is something causing you discomfort.
If it is your children’s teeth that you are concerned about then you should have an orthodontist look and evaluate them around the time they are seven years old. If your child needs braces then this treatment would usually begin after your child has lost their baby teeth and most of the adult teeth have grown into place.
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist and it is a very good idea that they see your child so treatment can be started at this age.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk
However, maybe it is your teeth that you would like corrected. Teeth are sometimes misaligned, have gaps between them, or perhaps your jaw doesn’t close as neatly as it should. There is a myth that only children can have braces but actually adults are fine for this treatment too just as long as you have healthy, strong gums and teeth.
So who should get their teeth corrected?
Anyone who feels unhappy with their appearance or perhaps has some discomfort. A lot of children get into the habit of sucking their thumbs. If your child has got into a longterm habit of this they may end up with buck teeth. Buck’s teeth are more at risk of being damaged or knocked out.
If you are having difficulty talking or chewing your food. If you find your jawline doesn’t comfortably meet up. Perhaps you have buck teeth or have chipped a tooth in an accident. Teeth that aren’t straight or are rotated can all benefit from seeing an orthodontist.
Here is a list of possible problems you may see in your child: Clicking jaw, mouth breathing, difficulty with sounds or certain words, buck teeth from sucking on his or her thumb.
Braces are not the only method available. You may want to consider all the options for how to correct your teeth.
How to correct your teeth
There are many options and they would depend on your particular requirements. You should always consult a professional orthodontist.
First, you may want to look at braces as this is a common way to straighten teeth.
Braces
Put simply this is a dental device or device that puts pressure on your teeth slowly straighten and move them into the correct position. They can bring together teeth with gaps or straighten up your jawline so it meets neatly and comfortably.
They are very common and popular choices. They will cause a minimum of discomfort not as invasive as other options.
Like all dentistry work, braces should be fitted by a professional after an assessment. Avoid any homemade solutions you may find on the internet. However, should you need to treat yourself in certain situations, a well-known dentist clinic has a guide on how to cut braces wire at home.
Types of braces
Types of braces there are three main types of braces and with all options here you will want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Consider the fact that you will be wearing these for an extended length of time so you want to be happy with your choice.
Metal Braces
These give your orthodontist great control over your teeth and aligning them correctly. The main disadvantage is many people didn’t like their appearance in the past but modern braces are a bit more appealing than the clunky metal ones of the past. If you don’t want metal braces you should consider the next two options.
Ceramic Braces
Very similar to metal braces but the ceramic parts can be clear or tooth-colored. There are cons though. They are less durable than metal braces and they move the teeth slower. The biggest disadvantage is the cost. They will come in considerably higher than metal braces.
Invisible Braces
The least visible type of aligner as the title suggests! These are worn nearly all day (around 20 -22 hours) except when eating. They work by exerting constant pressure on the teeth. The main disadvantage is they take the longest to work.
Surgery
You may want to consider surgery if braces do not appeal. Therefore you would need to consult with an oral surgeon. They can perform surgery to change the alignment of your teeth.
There is a more serious surgery that moves the position of your jaw. This is called Orthognathic surgery and would be used only if you had significant everyday problems with your jaw and or teeth.
Surgery is likely to be expensive and recovery times will differ depending on the type of surgery involved. If you are traveling abroad you may find it to be cheaper than in your home country. For instance, if you need an English speaking orthodontist in Zurich, please contact We Love Smiles Zuerich.
Other ways to improve your smile
Retainers
Usually worn after your braces have been removed to keep teeth straightened at night. If however you only have minor issues with your teeth your dentist may possibly suggest you have a fixed retainer.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Unfortunately, this type of dentistry will not straighten your teeth but it can improve your smile and give the image of straighter teeth. If you have chipped teeth, gaps, or teeth that don’t completely line up straight you could consider veneers, dental bonding, and whitening.
Self-help
As mentioned above some people may consider home remedies. Maybe this is due to financial reasons or a desire not to visit a dentist. You should never try any of these at home. You may well end up with significantly more work needing to be done.
Home dentistry could easily lead to sore and cut gums, broken teeth, tooth decay, a dame to the enamel, and even teeth falling out.
Always consult a professional dentist or orthodontist.
Overview
While you have to make your own decision the general rule would be that braces are the most effective and the safest way for you to correct and straighten your teeth. Don’t try to straighten them yourself. You may find you simply need a fixed retainer to bring out the best in your smile in social events.
