You’ve seen it. Most of your classmates have braces, and it is as if it were a right of passage to teenhood. It became the norm, and you probably wanted to join the fad.
Braces are orthodontic devices. And, they’re installed in people’s teeth to correct orthodontic problems. If you don’t have any problems with your teeth (if you have perfect, straight teeth), your dentist or orthodontist would most likely not recommend you to get braces.
You want braces, but you don’t need them. What do I do?
Here’s the answer to the question that you’ve always wanted to ask.
Can you get braces for no reason?
You cannot get braces for no reason. Orthodontists will not allow you to have braces solely for cosmetic purposes. However, it is best to consult with an orthodontist to know if there are minor dental orthodontic concerns that may qualify you to get braces.
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Bethesda, MD to know if you should get braces, look no further than Kumra Orthodontics. With their knowledgeable and experienced team of orthodontic professionals, they offer personalized care and customized treatment plans using the latest technology in orthodontics. Whether you are looking to improve your bite or achieve a straighter smile, they can help you achieve your goals.
Purpose of Braces
The main purpose of braces is to improve dental function and promote overall oral health. This can be done by fixing orthodontic problems. It corrects problems such as:
- Overcrowding
- Misaligned teeth
- Malocclusion
- Crooked teeth
Braces can also help reduce the risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay. This is because when you’re on braces, you’ll practice oral hygiene more than ever. It’s, however, best to take note that if you have straight teeth, you do not need braces.
Risks of Getting Braces for No Reason
While the desire for straighter teeth and a more appealing smile is understandable, getting braces for no reason can come with potential risks such as:
Discomfort
Braces can be uncomfortable, especially when you first start wearing them. It’s important to remember that they are primarily designed to serve a medical purpose rather than a purely aesthetic one, so getting braces for no reason will only give you pain.
Oral Health Complications
While braces can certainly enhance the appearance of your smile, getting them for no reason can actually cause oral health complications. For example, braces can make it more difficult to properly brush and floss your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
In addition, if braces are not properly fitted or adjusted, they can damage your teeth and gums.
Financial Burden
The financial burden of getting braces for purely cosmetic reasons can be significant, with costs ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s important to remember that braces are a medical treatment that should only be pursued when necessary and under the guidance of a qualified orthodontic professional.
Most importantly, never ever buy fake braces that are not from an orthodontist just to be in the fad to avoid further complications.
Alternatives to Braces for Cosmetic Reasons
Having braces for no reason is a big no-no. But fortunately, there are many alternatives to braces that can help to achieve your desired results without the need for orthodontic treatment.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to brighten and whiten discolored or stained teeth.
Teeth whitening involves a dental professional applying a strong bleaching agent to your teeth, which is activated by a special light or laser. This procedure typically takes around one hour and can result in teeth that are several shades brighter.
Braces block the look of your perfectly straight teeth. With teeth whitening, you’ll be able to smile confidently and flaunt your perfectly white teeth!
Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that involves placing a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin over the front surface of a tooth. Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration. They can also be used to improve the size, shape, and alignment of teeth.
Just like teeth whitening, veneers can help your teeth stand out from the rest of your classmates with braces. They’ll surely be jealous of your straight teeth that they have been longing for.
Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth. It is a non-invasive and relatively affordable alternative to other cosmetic dental treatments that works just like veneers.
Takeaway
In conclusion, there’s no need to feel like you have to get braces just for the sake of having them. If your teeth are already straight and healthy, you should be proud of your beautiful smile! Embrace your unique dental features and focus on maintaining good oral health through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, or enhance them with other cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
Remember, there’s nothing more attractive than a confident and healthy smile. So, don’t let societal pressure or cosmetic ideals convince you otherwise. Be proud of your teeth, and let them shine! It matters how you shine outside.
