Having a misaligned jaw or teeth can be really stressful. Severe misalignments can affect how you chew since they cause pain every time you eat. Crooked teeth can also impact your psychological well-being as you might be forced to avoid social situations. However, the condition is treatable with dental braces. But what are braces, and how do they work?

Here are the four most important things you should know before getting dental braces:

1. The Role of Dental Braces in Teeth Straightening and Alignment

As noted in a recent study, one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile, mainly due to crooked teeth. Also, 36% of them believe that they would have a better social life if their teeth were straight. If you are one of such people, dental braces could be of significant help.

As you wear braces, they exert pressure on the jaw and teeth. Since this pressure is continuous, the jaw gradually conforms to it. Underneath your gums is a flexible membrane that controls teeth positioning. The braces put pressure on it, successfully aligning the teeth to the desired position.

2. Dental Conditions Treated by Dental Braces

Most people go for dental braces when they have crooked or overcrowded teeth. The problem is attributed to poor nutrition, poor dental care, genetics, and certain myofunctional habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.

However, you may consider wearing braces to treat other conditions, such as too much or not enough spacing between your teeth. If your upper front teeth project out, braces can also help. More importantly, you can use braces if you have an overbite or an underbite.

3. Types of Dental Braces

There are four types of dental braces that you should consider. These include metal braces, Invisalign, ceramic, and lingual braces. The traditional metal braces have been in use for many decades. Many people like them due to their low cost and effectiveness in teeth alignment. The difference between all the four braces is the material used to make each and where they are attached to one's mouth.

4. The Cost of Different Dental Braces

The cost of braces varies across all four types. The price range of metal braces is between $3,000 and $7,000. If you opt for ceramic braces, you need between $4,000 and $8,000. If you prefer Invisalign braces, set aside a minimum of $4,000 and a maximum of $7,400. Lingual braces are the most expensive as their cost ranges between $8,000 and $10,000.

You Got It

If crooked or severely misaligned teeth are affecting your quality of life, consider wearing dental braces. They are effective in teeth alignment and teeth straightening, significantly improving how your teeth work and look.