6 Great reasons why you SHOULD get Braces and why braces are worth your money

Tuesday 7 July 2015

This photo is not owned by me

BID GOODBYE TO UGLY & CROOKED TEETH WITH BRACES

Braces can be a part of beauty in our lives You may think that braces makes one ugly, but it can never be worse than a set of crooked teeth

Having an ugly and crooked set of teeth can be very detrimental to the self-esteem and confidence of an individual. Not only does it possibly bring about criticisms from others, it also causes those with such a set of teeth to face many struggles - which apparently, people with perfect teeth can't understand. 
I've previously blogged about the different struggles people like us with crooked teeth face often (click here to read more), and today I am going to tell you the exact reasons why you should get braces and why they are worth it. 



Firstly & most importantly - the highly anticipated outcome of all braces-users - prettier & healthier teeth. Of course, you can't expect your teeth to become straight over one night. However, you can definitely feel the excitement as you notice how the gaps between your teeth close over time, and surely, your teeth gets into good alignment slowly. (Though as contradicting as this may sound, your teeth actually moves pretty quickly after you put the braces on.) You'll have better oral hygiene too - crooked teeth are harder to be kept clean!


The nasty criticisms and probing will finally cease. One of the greatest struggle we all face with crooked teeth - but people will (usually & finally) keep their mouths shut after you get braces. Remember how your relatives or friends would always ask when you are putting on braces?  There, they finally got their answers!


You gain more confidence in yourself. After getting braces, it is no doubt that you will start being less mindful of how you look with your teeth and smile with confidence. Or should I say, you'll probably feel proud of your braces and "show then off".  (No more envying & being jealous of people with braces or perfect teeth!)


Positivity, positivity and more positivity! After being confident, you'll find yourself looking at things in a more positive manner than before! You know that your teeth will be beautiful. You know that no one will judge you further.  You know that it is perfectly alright to show your teeth now.  You know that you look fine with braces.  You know that people are gonna be envious of your teeth in the future. You know that you can smile - a gorgeous smile.


Of course, what does positiveness and confidence lead to? Happiness for sure! You'll realise how happy you are with your braces as compared to the past without it. In the past, all you felt were sadness and feelings of envy, which probably made you "depressed" about an unattainable nice set of teeth.  But that's okay. Braces will be there to cure all of these negativity and unhappiness!


Lastly, what could be more enjoyable than picking different colours for the bands of your braces every month? It is important to have our braces tightened once a month (depending on your orthodontist) - and this is the time when you get to choose your colour of the month! (I loved my visits back then because I was always so excited to pick a different colour, and you can mix the colours too!) 


Sure, these are not the only reasons why you should get braces - but are definitely few of the best reasons (in my opinion)



What about the other significant benefits after you finish your braces treatment?

1. You'll have no more troubles chewing or biting down food - especially hard food - since your teeth are well aligned after the braces treatment.

2. You'll feel more comfortable because you won't necessarily feel any teeth sticking out everywhere with your tongue.  (I hated how I'd feel almost all my teeth sticking out at different places in the past)

3. Your lips & jaw line will probably look better after that. This depends on the severity of your crooked teeth previously - I was told by my orthodontist that misalignment of teeth causes your lips and jaw to look unsymmetrical or "wrong", and it got better with braces!

4. You'll realise how you are able to speak with better clarity as compared to the days with crooked teeth. With the gaps between your teeth closed, it is easier to pronounce certain words.

5. More comfort when brushing your teeth! You can hardly feel any pain in your gums like those felt before braces. Crooked teeth somewhat causes the gums to be really weak and sore, hindering you from brushing very hard since the gums from the gaps will ache .

6. Surely, you'll hear people telling you that your teeth looks so good now and that you have a pretty smile!

With so many benefits physically and mentally, braces are definitely worth your money.  It is every owner-of-crooked-teeth's dream to have them!

Read my experience with braces here


How long does a braces treatment take?
Very often, braces treatment lasts for 2 to 3 years. However, it is possible to take them off after a year plus if your orthodontist gives the green light. On the other hand, it is possible to extend the treatment until you are satisfied with how your teeth looks.  (Most dentists will ask you if you are satisfied with your teeth when the time comes)
It is also possible to have your braces treatment last more than 3 years if your teeth were severely misaligned.  Nevertheless, patience is key.

On top of that.. Just like it takes two hands to clap in a relationship, you have a part in taking good care of your teeth as well. It is important that you brush your teeth properly and floss between your braces brackets often using a floss brush. 
You'll also have to remember to put on retainers after your braces are removed. This prevents your teeth from shifting back to its original state. (Clearly, you wouldn't want that to happen.. So it is best that you listen to your orthodontist's advises) 
Retainers are worn for a lifetime. Depending on the severity of your teeth previously, some may only need to wear them at night when they sleep; while some people, for the first 6 months (like myself), are required to wear them for a full day daily - except meal times and when they brush their teeth. It may feel like a burden at first, but you'll definitely get used to it.




What are the struggles you will face with braces?
Braces may have its own struggles and cause inconvenience to us, such as having food stucked in your braces most of the times and usually having ulcers (such a pain in the butt!) 
But think again. Why not tolerate these minor struggles for 2 to 3 years and get a beautiful set of teeth for the rest of your life? Struggles can be adapted over time.. But what's more appealing than the result you'll see after you take off your braces? 

You'll definitely not regret putting on braces.. You'll probably be glad, and you'll miss them once you have them taken off.




How much do braces cost?
Usually, the traditional metal braces are more popular and in a way, cheaper. If you are facing financial difficulties, you can get a referral letter from your school's dentist or wherever, and head down to Singapore's National Dental Centre. They offer government subsidies with the condition that you wait in the queue for your turn. (Usually at least a year and a half or if you are lucky then less than that)
The average fee is around 3.5k (varies accordingly), which can be paid by instalments. The package includes subsequent consultation fees, materials, as well as your retainers - but excludes any extraction or tooth surgery charges. There will most likely be a first consultation fee (very often less than $100) during your first visit, whereby your orthodontist examines your teeth and decide what treatment to be done for you. (I believe there might be some other materials cost too, but it depends)
Once your treatment starts, at times during subsequent visits, you'll have to pay a few dollars for certain braces materials that may be used by your orthodontist which are necessary for you.
I've heard that some private dental clinics also offer braces treatment at affordable rates similar to NDC, which are also payable via monthly instalment. You'll just have to conduct some research and source for them. 



Therefore, if you are in need of braces or considering to get braces, go ahead and do so!!  There are even people out there who put on braces solely for fun and for a different look (rich people I assume....) 


You won't regret it.  Trust me, I am so much more happier with my teeth now!  (Here is the post on my experience with braces)



So don't worry... Brace yourself and Smile! 


Related Posts: 13 Struggles only people with Crooked Teeth will understand My experience with Braces | I could finally smile