Stop Tooth Pain in its Tracks

Posted on: 1 August 2022

If you have crooked teeth and this dental problem is affecting a lot of aspects of your life, then you may want to book an appointment with an orthodontist to get braces. You can make the most out of this experience if you review these guidelines. 

Have X-Rays Taken First 

An effective way to assess the misalignment that's currently happening with teeth in your mouth is to have your orthodontist take x-rays. This should be one of the first things they do in fact to see what type of problems they would be treating with braces.

Getting these x-rays is pretty straightforward. You'll just have to let a dental assistant put an imaging device in your mouth so that it can capture detailed images of your teeth and their current position. Then the dentist can discuss relevant teeth-straightening options once these x-rays come in.

See Which Brace Option is Best Suited to Your Needs

There are several brace options you can get today besides traditional metal braces, including ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and clear aligners. Rather than trying to figure out what option is best for you, it's best to see what your orthodontist thinks. 

They can look at your x-rays and give you a brace recommendation that they think is going to help move your teeth back into alignment the best. They'll explain the reasons for their recommendation too so that you know you're making the right decision regarding how teeth are straightened out over time.

Get Advice on Good Oral Hygiene Practices

After you get braces put in by your orthodontist, you'll need to care for them properly to avoid chronic problems. It's a lot easier to do the right things if you just get your orthodontist's advice on the proper care routines. They've received years of formal education and have seen firsthand what practices work the best for keeping braces in optimal condition.

For instance, they can suggest special cleaning products and devices you can use to ensure you don't have germs and bacteria collect. They can also show you proper chewing habits that prevent you from damaging these braces, whether they're traditional or lingual braces. 

If you have crooked teeth and various aspects of your life are negatively impacted because of them, talk to an orthodontist today about braces. They can do wonders for improving your self-esteem and even chewing abilities, especially if you handle this dental procedure the right way.