The benefits of a straight, healthy, and bright smile are many, including enhanced self-confidence, better first impressions, and better communication skills.
Braces are a fundamental part of helping your teeth grow the right way. Conversely, crooked teeth can affect your speech, pose a greater risk of injury, and cause teeth grinding, among other conditions.
What to Consider When You’re Contemplating Braces
If you are considering getting braces for yourself or your child, consider the following questions:
- Is there a right age to get braces?
- What kind of teeth do you have: adult or primary?
- What kind of braces would work best for you?
At Revitalizing Smiles in Fairfield, Connecticut, we bring our years of expertise and professionalism to help you and your family figure out the best braces plan for you.
We’ll consider these questions below:
What Is The Right Age To Get Braces?
We like to rephrase this question, because each person is different. Rather than asking the best age, it’s more appropriate to consider the status of the teeth in your mouth.
There are two types of teeth your family dentist will discuss with you about getting braces:
- 12-year Molars: these are the permanent teeth that usually appear between the ages of 11 and 13. These molars should be present before putting on braces.
- Primary Teeth: also known as “baby teeth”. It is encouraged to wait to get braces until your baby teeth are gone.
While there is no “right” age to get braces, it is recommended that you wait until your or your child’s baby teeth have fallen out and the 12-year molars have fully grown in.
What Type Of Braces Is Right For Me?
There are several different types of braces nowadays, so you or your child have options! Let’s break down each variation below:
- Metal Braces – when you think of braces, you most likely think of this traditional variety. These tend to be less expensive and come in an assortment of colors, which can be alluring to a child or teen. However, they are the most obvious type of braces, so you may consider a different option.
- Ceramic Braces – similar to metal braces, these braces go on the outside of your teeth. They blend in with your teeth because the brackets are white. These are more pricey and need to be cared for so they don’t stain.
- Lingual Braces – these braces are built similarly to metal braces, however they are placed inside the teeth, making them less noticeable. This option is popular because they are hardly noticeable. With that being said, they are more tricky to clean and more expensive.
- Invisalign – these braces are for people with mildly out-of-line teeth. They consist of custom-made plastic aligners, and the patient receives new ones every couple weeks. Some benefits are they are nearly invisible and you do not have to worry about any eating and drinking restrictions.
Reach Out To Your Family Dentist
We at Revitalizing Smiles located in Fairfield, Connecticut can help you and your family figure out the right braces and dental plan just for you!
If you liked this Revitalizing Smiles blog, take a look at these other articles you might like:
–What You Need to Know About Aging & Your Dental Health
–5 Common Dental Problems and How to Avoid Them
