If you have recently been told by your dentist in Kitchener that you may require braces or Invisalign to straighten your smile, you likely have many questions. You might also have some hesitancy about undergoing orthodontics near you. After all, no one really wants to deal with large bills, uncomfortable wires, and dietary restrictions. However, a stunning smile may be worth all of this hassle. In this post, our team at Laurentian Dental Centre tells you all the factors you should consider before turning down your dentist’s recommendation for orthodontic care.
#1 The Long-Term Health Effects
There are many long-term health benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatment. If your dentist has suggested you consider orthodontics in Kitchener, it is likely because you are dealing with malocclusion. This means that your upper and lower teeth are not fitting together in the optimal way, leading to issues with your bite alignment, smile appearance, and overall oral health.
If you do not correct malocclusion, you could end up dealing with long-term oral health issues such as:
● Bruxism, or the clenching and grinding of teeth
● Headaches and jaw tension
● Trouble speaking and chewing
● Uneven wear on your teeth
Any form of malocclusion, even simply crowded teeth, can make keeping your teeth clean very difficult. This increases your chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Speak to your dentist to determine the extent of your bite problem and how it may affect your life down the line.
#2 Your Confidence in Your Appearance
Besides improving your oral health, orthodontic treatment also works to enhance the appearance of your smile. A significant boost in your confidence is worth the hassle and cost of treatment.
#3 The Cost of Treatment
Orthodontic treatment isn’t cheap and often isn’t essential, so you should determine if you can spend the extra money to adjust your smile. On average, traditional metal braces cost $5000-$6000 depending on the severity of your malocclusion and how long you will need to undergo treatment for. In some cases, your dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, but often, you will have to pay a large sum of money out of pocket.
If you are worried about paying a large sum of money at once, ask your dentist near you for options for orthodontic offices that offer financing with low monthly payments and low or no interest. Also, keep an eye out for discounts.
#4 Your Level of Commitment
Orthodontic treatment requires several months of commitment to enhance your smile and maintain excellent oral health. If you choose to get braces, you will need to commit to cleaning your teeth and brackets thoroughly, visiting your orthodontist often for checkups and adjustments, and avoiding certain foods. If you opt for another form of orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, you will need to commit to wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and cleaning them daily.
No matter what orthodontic treatment you end up choosing, you will have to spend time and effort ensuring that it is successful. If you are unable to do this, you should hold off on treatment for the time being.
Visit Laurentian Dental Centre
If you are interested in learning more about your options for orthodontic treatment and determining which option is best for you, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Laurentian Dental Centre. We are happy to provide you with a comprehensive oral evaluation and personalized treatment plan.