Should I Get Braces? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

As an adult, if you didn’t have braces during your teens, it’s normal to wonder whether it’s time to correct your smile. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you may not be happy with how they sit in your mouth. Some people’s confidence can be affected because of their teeth too, so if this sounds like you, you may want to look into braces.

There are all sorts of factors to take into account before deciding on braces. To make things easier, here are some questions to ask yourself before getting braces.

Am I Self-Conscious When I Smile?

They say that those who smile are happier in themselves and even live longer. This means if you’re not happy with your teeth, you may avoid having your photo taken or get nervous that others are looking at them. We all want to feel confident in our skin, so if you believe it’s your teeth that are holding you back, now may be the time to look into braces.

Once you get braces and complete treatment, the confidence benefits are invaluable. Not only will your self-esteem lift, but you will also feel more confident in your abilities. This can help you when making new friends, going on dates, and attending job interviews. There are thousands of people up and down the country whose confidence has been lifted thanks to braces. 

Do I Have Difficulty Brushing My Teeth?

When you’re brushing your teeth and gums, do they still feel unclean after you leave the mirror? If the answer is yes, it may be down to the positioning of your teeth. For instance, if you have overcrowding, this will make it more difficult to keep your teeth and gums clean. Because of this, plaque can stick around, which can lead to gum disease. 

If you have noticed gum inflammation, bleeding, or pain, you may already have gum disease. If you’re not careful, this can lead to severe gum disease (periodontal disease) that cannot be cured. Therefore, getting braces and starting treatment sooner rather than later can help in keeping your teeth and gums under control. 

Can I Commit to Proper Oral Hygiene If I Get Braces?

Even if you believe you’re on top of your oral hygiene, should you choose traditional, metal braces, you’ll need to up your routine immediately. Most orthodontists advise that you brush your teeth after every snack or meal. Of course, this may sound impossible or daunting, but when it comes to maintaining your teeth and gums and getting the results you’re after, you’ll need to commit to proper oral hygiene throughout.

Also, you’ll need the time and willpower to properly take care of your teeth and gums. You don’t want to hinder the success of your treatment or find you need braces for longer. Therefore, keeping on top of your oral hygiene is a must. 

Can I Afford Braces?

The biggest question of all – can you afford teeth braces? While you may love the idea of getting braces and achieving the perfect smile, if you haven’t got money in the bank to foot the treatment, there are payment options available. Whatever braces you decide on, it’s essential you know the costs involved before committing. You may well be wondering how much are braces in the UK? Well, Straight My Teeth can help you with this. The company are specialists when it comes to teeth straightening services. Straight My Teeth also have a guide on how do braces work, which explains the process in detail. 

While you may have goals of getting the smile you’ve always wanted, you don’t want to finish treatment and find you’re in a mountain of debt. Thankfully, you may not have to pay the full cost upfront. You’ll find many providers offer payment plans. This allows you to pay for treatment bit by bit, which won’t drain your bank balance.

Have I Researched the Different Types of Braces?

Only you have yourself to blame if you pick the wrong type of brace for your needs. You shouldn’t make any rash decisions, especially when you factor in how much you’ll spend on braces and how long you’ll have them on for. If you’re happy to wear fixed braces, metal ones may be suitable for you. On the other hand, for those who want more flexibility, removable aligners may be better.

If you’re struggling to decide, you can weigh up the pros and cons of each type of brace. This should give you more clarification and help with your decision. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate in speaking to your orthodontist. 

If you’ve decided that you’re unhappy with your teeth and smile and want to do something about it, the natural step is to get braces. However, before you make your mind up, looking at the questions above first is essential.