According to research conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) about 27% of orthodontic patients in Canada and the U.S. are adults. Braces help conditions, such as overbite, underbite, misaligned jaw, and crossbite. Since people are more educated and conscious about their appearance and health, they correct their misaligned teeth.
You may have heard many things about braces, and all may not be good. If you want to feel confident and go for braces Winnipeg without any apprehensions, here are the five factors to consider.
5 Things To Look For Before Getting Braces In Winnipeg
1. The First Consultation
Before your treatment begins, your orthodontist will examine your teeth to check if you qualify for braces. Most people do, but a few conditions may need healing before you can begin treatment. Braces are the way to correct the problem if you have conditions such as overbite, underbite, overcrowding, jaw misalignment, and too much gap between teeth. Orthodontists specialize in Malocclusion and help you achieve Occlusion.
2. X-Rays and Photos
Once the specialist decides that you need braces, they will prescribe x-rays and radiographs to take pictures of your teeth. Dental x-rays take pictures of the frontal smile and profile to give the doctor a 360-degree view of your teeth. These x-rays will help them devise a treatment plan. They will let you know how many brackets you will need and need bands to tighten them.
3. Fitting Them
You will be required to visit the orthodontist to have braces fixed on your teeth. The specialist will have the braces custom-made to your needs. It usually takes about an hour to fit them, but the time may vary from patient to patient, based on the number of misaligned teeth. The doctor will use your x-rays to get a panoramic view of your teeth and fix the braces accordingly.
4. Tightening Braces
Braces need tightening every 4-6 weeks. Since each patient is unique, the specialist will decide how frequently you need to see. If needed, the doctor will refit the wire to continue to exert pressure on the brackets. If required, they may also replace the wire. You will experience some soreness and slight pain for a day or two. It is recommended that you eat soft foods during that time to avoid further exertion.
5. Removal and Retainer Application
Most people who have used braces will also need retainers to maintain the new position of their teeth. Not placing retainers can make the teeth fall back into their old position, rendering the treatment ineffective. The retainer is custom-made to fit the new shape of your bite, and your specialist will inform you how long you need to use them. Patients may have to wear retainers for up to a year after removing the braces.
So, these were the common factors about braces in Winnipeg. If you are considering braces, this should help you decide. Braces are a long-term commitment and require you to change your lifestyle dramatically for a few years. But if you stay focused, the result will be a fabulous smile.