7 COSTLIEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN GETTING ‘BRACES’ & HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT!
Successful orthodontic treatment can be life changing. Children or adults who believe their teeth are unattractive can lack self-confidence and avoid smiling, laughing and talking. Children can also be afraid that bullies will make fun of their teeth. An American Dental Association survey showed that ‘smile’ ranks as the #1 physical feature that teens AND adults are distressed about. The runner-up is ‘weight’, which distresses only half as many people. Being distressed about unappealing teeth can affect a person’s social life, love life and career — but there’s no reason to suffer with an unattractive smile. A skilled orthodontist can create a beautiful smile with braces. However, there are costly pitfalls to avoid when getting braces:
1. Going for the cheapest treatment
- There’s a saying, “you get what you pay for ” It’s good to shop around but costs shouldn’t be your deciding factor. If the job is done poorly, braces may wind up costing you more. Also, ask about any separate charges so you’re not surprised by the total cost. Finally, consider cost versus affordability; usually the best treatment option can be affordable depending on the payment options your orthodontist provides.
2. Going to a general/family dentist instead of an orthodontist
- It may seem convenient, but think about it, you wouldn’t go to your general practitioner for heart surgery. General dentists get little to no education about orthodontics in dental school. Orthodontists are required to attend a two-to three-year residency program in addition to dental school. They are specialists. Going to a skilled and experienced orthodontist in the first place means you won’t have to seek out a specialist to fix a mistake made by an unqualified dentist.
3. Thinking braces are only for straightening teeth
- If done correctly, besides straightening teeth, orthodontics can dramatically improve facial features including the chin, jaw lines, nose, facial profile and lip fullness. Your orthodontist can affect how you or your child end up looking for the rest of your life. In addition to aesthetics, orthodontics can fix a bad bite and alleviate pain and discomfort from TMJ. Orthodontics can also improve airway and reduce sleep apnea.
4. Getting ‘traditional’ braces
- Traditional braces usually take years to fix teeth, while new braces technologies can take only months. With traditional braces there are more orthodontist visits (miss more work and/or school), more discomfort and they are not aesthetically pleasing. There’s also more risk of permanent teeth discoloration. Because it’s difficult to keep teeth clean in traditional braces this can lead to additional dental costs later. Learn more about the types of braces with our braces comparison chart on The Super Dentists website.
5. Getting other outdated orthodontic devices
- In addition to braces, orthodontists utilize many other devices to treat patients. Use of newest technologies will not only help avoid a compromised result but also ensure the treatment is faster, safer, and more comfortable, so make sure your orthodontist is using the latest systems.
6. Missing the ‘window of opportunity’ for best results
- For children, there is typically a very specific age range during which the orthodontist can get the best results and minimize the risk of tooth damage, extractions or surgery. For adults, if the initial diagnosis and the corresponding treatment is not correct, the patient may lose the opportunity to get an ideal smile forever.
7. Thinking all orthodontists are the same
- If all orthodontists have an orthodontic degree, they’re all the same, right? Wrong! The difference in quality of work, artistic abilities, education and technologies available can be remarkable. Orthodontists use their knowledge, skills, experience and talent to create a beautiful smile.
- A skilled super orthodontist will ensure your smile is beautiful and healthy
