Many people associate the color white, even for teeth, with health and beauty. If your teeth are crooked, you may consider wearing braces for cosmetic or medical reasons. However, how do you determine whether you need braces or not? And what should you do if you really need to wear braces? There are a few simple steps that can help you consider these things.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Checking the Condition of Your Teeth
Step 1. Look for overcrowded or crooked teeth
This condition is called "malocclusion". Signs to look out for also include teeth that are tilted, teeth that overlap each other, and teeth that protrude forward more than the rest of the teeth. Teeth that are too dense are the most common problem that requires braces.
To determine whether your teeth are too dense or not, you can use dental floss. If the floss is difficult to slip between your teeth, it may be that your teeth are too dense
Step 2. Understand the impact of malocclusion on you
Teeth that are too dense or too tight will make it difficult for the dentist to clean your teeth properly. Dental plaque that builds up on teeth can cause abnormal enamel wear, cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Many things can cause crooked or congested teeth. In some people, the oral cavity may be too small to accommodate all the teeth properly, causing the teeth to shift and become compacted. In other people, a dense set of teeth may be caused by the growth of wisdom teeth
Step 3. Look for teeth that are too far apart
Dense teeth are not the only problem. If you have missing teeth, too small a proportion of teeth, or wide/rarely spaced teeth, these things can also reduce the function of your bite and jaw. Teeth that are too sparse are one of the common problems that require treatment with braces.
Step 4. Check the position of your bite
When you bite, your two rows of teeth should come together. If there is a wide gap between the upper and lower row teeth, or if the top row or bottom row teeth protrude very much forward, this means you have a bite position problem that needs to be corrected with braces.
- The upper front teeth that protrude ahead of the lower front teeth when you bite will result in an "overbite" condition.
- Lower front teeth that protrude beyond the upper front teeth when you bite will result in an “underbite” condition.
- Upper teeth that are not properly positioned within the lower row teeth result in a “crossbite” condition, and can cause facial asymmetry if not corrected.
Step 5. Understand that bite problems can affect you
When your bites are not aligned, plaque buildup and decay from food debris stuck between your teeth will occur. Plaque and decay from food residue can lead to periodontal disease (a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting teeth, which if left untreated can lead to tooth loss), gingivitis, tooth abscess (abscess), and even tooth loss.
- The position of the bite that is not aligned can also cause difficulty chewing, so that the jaw becomes sore and even digestive system disorders.
- An misaligned jaw position can cause muscles to become stiff and tense and lead to persistent headaches.
- Overbite that is too severe can cause the lower front teeth to damage the gum tissue on the roof of your mouth.
Part 2 of 4: Observing Other Symptoms
Step 1. Look for food debris tucked between your teeth
Regularly check for food debris stuck between your teeth, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause sore gums and tooth decay. Braces can help remove gaps or pockets between teeth that can harbor bacteria and food debris.
Step 2. Smell your breath
Bad breath that sometimes or always smells, even though you may have brushed and flossed, could be a sign of bacteria lodged between crooked or overcrowded teeth.
Step 3. Listen to how you speak
If your speech becomes slurred, it may be due to malocclusion or misalignment of your teeth. Braces will help remove a lisp by aligning your teeth and jaw properly.
Step 4. Observe if you often feel pain in the jaw
If your jaw isn't aligned, it puts extra stress on the temporomandibular joint, the hinge joint that connects your jaw and head. If you experience frequent aches or pains in this area, you may need braces to align your jaw.
Part 3 of 4: Considering Braces
Step 1. Think about why you need braces
There are many reasons people use to decide to get braces. Sometimes, braces are installed only for cosmetic purposes. Many people associate neat and white teeth with health and beauty, and of course there is nothing wrong if someone wants to have a smile with pearly white teeth. However, there are also medical reasons to consider when deciding to use braces.
Misalignment of the bite and malocclusion (teeth that are bared and/or too dense) are the most common medical reasons for wearing braces
Step 2. Decide if you are willing to live with braces
If you are an adult, braces will take an average of 12 to 20 months. Most children and teens will need an average of two years to wear braces. You will also need to use braces for about a few months after you remove your braces. Make sure that you are prepared, because the period of wearing braces requires a fairly long time commitment.
Adults may take longer than children and teens to wear braces. In addition, because the facial bones of adults have stopped growing, unlike children, braces will not be successful in correcting certain conditions in adults (eg, sleep apnea)
Step 3. Discuss with a friend who has worn braces
Especially if you're an adult who's never had braces before, hearing from someone who's had braces can help you figure out whether or not you need braces.
Step 4. Consider whether you can afford the cost of braces
The cost of installing standard iron braces ranges from around IDR 4,000,000 to IDR 7,000,000. More specialized braces, such as transparent ceramic braces or other transparent braces (for example, the “Invisalign” brand) are often more expensive.
Some health insurance companies in Indonesia do not pay for the use of braces. Check your insurance company's policies regarding dental health financing and other contingencies
Step 5. Talk to your dentist about your condition
Note that a general dentist (dentist) does not have the skills and special educational background that an orthodontist does, and consulting an orthodontist regarding the condition of your teeth is the right choice in this situation. A dentist may be able to help you decide whether you need to consult an orthodontist about your teeth and jaw.
Your dentist may also be able to refer you to a trusted orthodontist in your area
Step 6. Ask your dentist about veneers
If your teeth are not crooked or too dense that you don't need braces to align them, veneers may be a good choice for you. Veneers are thin porcelain layers that bond your front teeth to add aesthetic value to your appearance and provide instant results.
Part 4 of 4: Getting Tips from Professionals
Step 1. Ask your dentist about braces
Your dentist will ask you to take an X-ray and test the operation and position of your bite, which can help you determine whether or not you should consult an orthodontist.
Your dentist can also tell you if your teeth are too dense or too dense
Step 2. Consult an orthodontist
The Indonesia Orthopedic Association has an online database of licensed orthodontists in Indonesia. You can also ask for references from your dentist.
Step 3. Understand the types of braces available
The era when braces were stuck to your head and you had an “iron mouth” is over. Depending on your budget, dental needs, and aesthetic preferences, you can choose from one of the many different types of braces available.
- Standard metal braces are usually less expensive and are the most effective option. However, some people feel uncomfortable wearing braces that are clearly visible.
- Braces made of transparent ceramic fit perfectly on the front teeth and function the same as metal braces, but are less visible. This type is slightly less effective than metal braces, and is also more prone to getting dirty and cracked. This type is also more expensive than iron braces.
- Braces that are transparent are different from braces in general. The most common brand of transparent braces is Invisalign. Invisalign braces are a series of aligners specially made to gradually shift teeth into their correct position. Because you need several pairs of tailor-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into position, Invisalign braces are a very expensive option. These types of braces also make it difficult for you to chew.
Step 4. Ask your orthodontist about the risks associated with braces
For most people, wearing braces is something that is safe, even if the procedure is uncomfortable. However, there are some other risks associated with braces, so check with your dentist for that information.
- In some people, braces can reduce the length of the tooth root. But this is rare, although it does occur in some cases and can cause teeth to become unstable.
- If your teeth have been damaged, such as due to physical trauma or an accident, the movement of teeth caused by braces can discolor your teeth or cause irritation to the nerves of your teeth.
- Your failure to comply with the orthodontist's advice may result in your braces failing to properly position your teeth. This can also result in the incorrect position of the teeth occurring again when the braces are removed.
Step 5. Consult an orthodontist regarding proper dental hygiene
If you decide to wear braces, you will need to take more care of your teeth to prevent sore gums, tooth decay, and decalcification.
Be careful, as cleaning your teeth properly becomes more difficult if you wear braces, especially those made of iron or transparent ceramic that adhere to your teeth
Tips
- Braces can be expensive, but some orthodontists offer installment payment plans, so you don't have to pay the entire fee at once. Ask for a payment plan before you get your braces on.
- Brush your teeth after meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) if you wear braces.
- Watch videos on YouTube. This is a great way to understand the process even more, and you'll feel more comfortable getting braces on. Try searching for “braces” or “braces vlog” on YouTube, and these videos will help you learn all you need to know about braces.
Warning
- Some things that are uncomfortable after braces are common. However, if you are in extreme pain or have persistent pain for more than a day or two after you put your braces on or adjust your braces, contact your orthodontist to make sure there are no more serious problems.
- Don't try to tighten your own teeth at home or buy dental kits online. Attempting to tighten your own teeth will result in tooth decay, infection, and permanent tooth loss.
