Braces are so standard nowadays, and with the improvement, they offer through dentistry, more people are installing them. They also no longer carry the stigma they used to; in fact, braces now trend around the world. For some, braces with different colors and styles are preferred, and they are not just an instrument to correct the teeth; they are also a piece of fashion.
However, some people may feel self-conscious about using one, mainly if it is newly applied. Well, that’s okay, as not everyone would like to announce to the world that they are correcting their smile by having straighter teeth. So, if you want to draw attention away from the teeth constantly, this article is for you. But first, let’s take a look at what braces are.
What Are Braces?
Dental braces are devices used by dentists in orthodontic treatment for several reasons. The effective use of braces is to correct crooked teeth.
Dentists often recommend them to people with the following signs:
- Visibly crooked or too crowded teeth.
- Difficulty brushing around crooked teeth.
- Always cutting the tongue with teeth
- When your mouth is at rest, your teeth don’t close over each other.
- You may have difficulty pronouncing certain kinds of sounds because of your tongue’s position under the teeth.
- Jaws click or make noises when you first wake up and chew.
- Feel fatigued on the jawline after chewing food
The above are often signs that braces are needed. However, they must be recommended by a dentist after a proper examination.
If you use braces or intend to use one and are pretty conscious of them on your teeth, do not worry; the following tips can make them less noticeable.
1. Help People Focus On Separate Features
You may draw attention away from the teeth and instead make other features stand out. A cute haircut, a super positive attitude, eye makeup that plays with your eyes, or lipstick that draws notice to your mouth.
You can also style your attire with eye-catching jewelry or even wear a bright-colored outfit, as this will leave people admiring your entire look and make your braces less noticeable.
2. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean is of utmost importance for someone with dental braces. Food pieces can get trapped around the wires and brackets. So, it’s best to rinse the mouth thoroughly after you are done eating. Rinse your mouth as this will remove most of the food that is trapped between the braces. So you can be sure that your teeth will stay clean.
Frequent brushing, followed by flossing, after each meal helps remove food particles and oral bacteria from the mouth. These can cause gum inflammation, tooth staining, and decay. If you can’t brush immediately after meals, use a toothbrush that is soft when brushing in the morning and at night.
Also, remember to visit your dentist after an interval of six months for professional cleaning and get other relevant information on how to care for your braces, like this article from Alignerco.
3. Don’t Be Self-Conscious
You often worry about your appearance due to the braces. However, the truth is that the majority of the people around you, won’t notice you have one. You most likely see braces on other people only because you also have one. But does that mean that their friends and family also notice theirs all the time? Maybe not!
Remember that you will only be wearing dental braces for a short time, and once you’re done with the treatment, you’ll have a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Make sure your personality shines through, and don’t worry about how your teeth and the way you smile look now, as it’s the result that matters.
4. Try Smiling Without Your Teeth
If you worry about the photos or videos where your braces can be seen. It takes some time to master the art of smiling without your teeth and just your eyes. But you can do that!
To do this, you can stand in front of a mirror or take several selfies to practice, then replicate whichever look you prefer.
5. Bands On The Brackets
Sometimes the metal braces do not stand out, but the tiny elastics around the brackets help keep the wires in place. By using a neutral color, both the brands and the braces won’t stand out much.
6. Use Unnoticeable Braces
If you aren’t using braces yet but wish to, you can select a treatment method that doesn’t include the use of metal braces. Though not everyone can use them, clear aligners are a great choice. They are see-through, meaning they are unnoticeable unless you tell people you are wearing them.
Clear aligners are placed over the teeth and help push the teeth into alignment. An excellent example of clear aligners is Invisalign. However, if you still prefer braces, you can choose the less obvious option, which is different from the standard metal variety. Using ceramic brackets is good as they are tooth colored and make it possible for you to hide them.
There are also lingual braces attached or tied to the back of your teeth. They are used mainly by adults and are virtually undetectable. However, some people still need to wear visible elastic bands when using them. Though you can talk and smile without the braces being seen by others, they can affect one’s speech. At the same time, people may take longer to get used to it.
However, the downside is that you should wear removable Invisalign for at least 22 hours daily to be productive. Therefore, they must be worn immediately after eating or brushing. Both lingual and ceramic braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces, and lingual braces take much longer to adjust the teeth.
7. Embrace The Brace
You might have to wear your braces for a long time to get the best result, so you might as well accept them as they are. Gaining confidence with your braces will take some time, but the best way to fast-track the process is by getting out there and socializing as you usually do.
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Braces:
1. Understand Your Needs
When it comes to choosing your braces, there are several factors involved, including how much you have budgeted for the whole process, how complex your case is, how fast you want the process to be done, and how you want to appear.
2. Weigh The Pros And Cons
When you contemplated using braces, what did you consider the most critical factor? Keep this in mind and also think of it when considering the specific type of brace you’ll use.
3. Find The Right Dentist
Your choice of orthodontist will determine the result of your braces. Every dentist has certain brands they’ll recommend, specific experiences with different types of braces, and the costs associated with getting one.
In your search for the right dentist, work smart by visiting several dentists to find the one that’ll listen to your concerns, has a customized treatment plan, fits your budget, and has an excellent reputation.
Conclusion
Remember, you are likely the only one conscious of your braces. Those around you are most likely to notice other traits about you as well, including your personality and actions. But if you intend to make your braces less noticeable, you can start with the above-listed tips. Remember, braces aren’t something to be ashamed of; they add character to your features; therefore, try to be yourself.
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