My dentist said I have a small alignment problem with two of my teeth and that I could fix it with braces. My parents said if I want to, then I can. Nobody else says they can see the problem, but to me, it's obvious. Getting braces would be for 1 and a half years, train-track type, and I would feel pretty self-concious about it. I DO want to have a perfect smile later on.... but I'm not sure, because others say the problem is not noticeable.
I can't decide what to do... the cost is no problem, it's just that I'm not sure if it's worth 1.5 years of braces just to fix a small thing. Also I've heard braces are painful. What do you think?
2007-01-20 19:47:56 · 12 answers · asked by ---ellerose--- 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Braces are painful and it's not just physical pain, it's the stress and strain of getting the food out of your teeth, being limited to certain foods, and OBVIOUSLY being made fun of. I see nothing wrong with braces myself, but of course, others are going to. If the problem is NOT obvious to many people, then chances are it's only obvious to you b/c you are self conscious about it and you see it constantly. I wouldn't do the braces if it isn't that big of a deal to you. I think you will regret getting them just to fix a minor cosmetic problem. I hope I helped.
2007-01-20 19:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by Lesley C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how bad this "small thing" looks, and whether you are willing to live with your teeth the way they are. I waited 10 years to get braces because I was so hesitant, so I know where you're coming from.
Also, you say that you have an alignment problem. I'm not sure if you mean that the teeth are just crooked, or is your bite "off?" If your bite is not good, it could eventually lead to headaches or TMJ, or cause your teeth to wear down or crack (this is the reason Tom Cruise got braces a few years ago).
Whether it will be worth it is ultimately up to you to decide. On our website, we have found that most people who get braces are happy with their decision because it has improved their appearance.
Braces do hurt at first, but then you get used to them (the initial pain goes away after the first couple of weeks, then you may be in pain again for a day or two after each monthly adjustment -- but you get used to it and really it is no big deal).
Getting braces as an adult is a big decision, and it's normal to be hesitant. Take your time. You can have as many consultations as you want with other orthodontists. Do what feels comfortable to you. If your gut says No, then remember: nobody is forcing you to do it.
Our website has a lot of information about braces that you would find useful, as well as a very active message board. Check it out when you have a chance.
2007-01-20 20:09:48 · answer #2 · answered by ArchWired Braces Website 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is just a small alignment prob, please don't worry about it! You don't need perfect teeth to get a guy or a job, etc. (Really bad teeth can close some doors but you are no where near that.) Some cons are that you'll spend all that money & time & after have to wear a retainer once in a while or they will gradually move back. If you have an overbite, be very careful if it is suggested that you wear rubber bands to correct it as for some people... it will make the top portion of your mouth unnaturally sink in. It can really change profiles & facial structures. Plus, if not it could misalign your teeth if not done correctly, but that's a small percentage. I'd advise against it. I know of someone who had an underbite (which looks funny) & getting that fixed is okay. But sometimes overbites being fixed will make the closed mouth look like an underbite.. ~chinese pug look. I wouldn't worry about perfectly aligned teeth. A little whitening if you need it & all's beautiful! Best wishes!
Actually, they'll probably align your teeth properly, so if you really need that perfect smile....
2007-01-20 19:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by Nocine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have braces and their not that bad. I think its better to get braces. Misalignment in teeth can cause problems like not being able to get all of the plaque because food particles could get stuck between the teeth that aren't aligned properly which could cause cavities later on.
Braces do cause some pain at the start but you'll get used to them after a while(it took me about 2 weeks) and they wont be that painful.
2007-01-20 19:57:47 · answer #4 · answered by JP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well see ur actually lucky cause i had to get a mouth piece for some stupid reason and then i kinda lost it in school and now i have to get a new one and then i have to get braces i dont know how long though and im just saying if its like really bad then u should and your teeth will be straight later on and some people like the way braces look and a year and a half will go by very fast belive me i mean come on think about the past and how fast it goes by lol yea so yea
2007-01-20 19:55:25 · answer #5 · answered by Sammie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had braces for two years they are painful alittle bit while they are shifting the teeth in your gumbone but this is only temporary. and yes they are worth it. my 18 year old daughter just had her braces removed and what a beautiful smile she has.
2007-01-20 19:55:34 · answer #6 · answered by rcalvit65 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
braces are painful it only hurts for a couple of days after the doctor visit. I beleive they are wroth it, i absolutely hated having braces i had them on for about two years and i was self conscious about my smile when i had them on, i didnt really smile but once i got them off i couldnt stop smiling. you have to think its only for a year and a half. after that you wont have to wear them again (only of you were your retainer) good luck
2007-01-20 19:53:48 · answer #7 · answered by piggylover_850 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My teeth are a little crooked too, but I don't need braces. As long as your teeth allign properly, its okay. I was in your same situation. I wouldn't do it. It isn't worth it.
2007-01-20 19:54:11 · answer #8 · answered by Desert Rose 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldnt do it if i were you because they are painful and they mess up your lips and cause an overbyte. Plus you dont want to be slurping your saliva everytime talk to someone especially on a date. Its all up to you.
2007-01-20 20:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by sparky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same issue. If your young enough, do it now before more problems develop.
2007-01-20 19:56:25 · answer #10 · answered by tim_klein2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋