Orthodontic headgear is old news – opt for hidden braces instead
So you want a beautiful smile, but not if it means wearing that dreaded headgear? Don't worry—you don't have to!
If you're interested in achieving a radiant, healthy smile—you know, the perfectly aligned, white teeth you see in toothpaste ads—you no doubt understand that you'll need the help of a highly skilled professional orthodontist. Of course, that means you'll be undergoing some treatment that might cause you a little bit of (perfectly normal) anxiety. Will it hurt? Will it look funny? The good news is that nowadays, orthodontists are able to move your teeth into the ideal position in a comfortable and discreet fashion. For example, if you're not thrilled by the idea of wearing visible metal brackets and wires on your teeth, you have the option of having “hidden” braces bonded to the backs of your teeth, where no one can see them.
But what if you need that dreadful headgear to adjust your jaw position? Even if you're just wearing it to bed, it's uncomfortable and looks ridiculous. Take a deep breath—the conspicuous orthodontic headgear devices you're picturing have gone the way of the dinosaur, and now we use much better methods to achieve proper bite and alignment. Here is some advice on how to prepare for your much-more-modern orthodontic treatment.
Do
- consult several orthodontists in your area
- ask what your treatment will entail
- request to see photos of all braces and other devices employed
- make notes
- ask to speak to past patients
Don't
- worry about having to wear headgear
- hesitate to ask questions about the more comfortable appliances
- shy away from straightening your teeth because you're afraid of that awkward look
- feel you have to commit to an orthodontic office at the first visit
- forget to smile
Do consult several orthodontists in your area
Consult several orthodontists in your area and choose one who is certified to use the latest technology. Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations, and read some reviews online. You'll know what you're getting into before you even walk in the door.
Do ask what your treatment will entail
Ask the orthodontist what the full treatment entails, from beginning to end. Your orthodontist will explain exactly what he'll be doing to help put your mind at ease. If something doesn't sound quite right, you can get the answers you need ahead of time.
Do request to see photos of all braces and other devices employed
Ask the doctor to see photos of the braces and other devices that he will be using to fix your teeth. This way you can rest easy knowing how discreet today's options are. If there's something you want to avoid, like having brackets and wires bonded to the front of your teeth, just say so. Your orthodontist should be able to tell you about the latest advances in technology, which are more comfortable and discreet.
Do make notes
While your orthodontist explains your treatment plan, jot down some notes. Bring a pen and paper, or use a note-taking app on your smartphone or tablet. That way, you won't forget any of the important things you've learned at your consultation.
Do ask to speak to past patients
To learn about how good the orthodontist is, ask his/her patients about their experiences and feedback. There might be one right there in the waiting area—ask what she liked about the treatment and her results. You'll get a better idea of what's going to happen in the weeks and months ahead.
Do not worry about having to wear headgear
The embarrassing, gawky kind of headgear from the 1980s is no longer in use. If an orthodontist mentions it, it's smart to keep shopping for a professional who uses the latest technology. Ask your dentist for a reference if need be.
Do not hesitate to ask questions about the more comfortable appliances
There are many new orthodontic treatments available today that don’t hurt nearly as bad as they used to, as well as braces that won't distract people when you speak and smile. You absolutely don't need to endure a gawky appearance or major discomfort to achieve great alignment and oral health.
Do not shy away from straightening your teeth because you're afraid of that awkward look
As mentioned above, no one has to know you're even wearing braces, never mind an archaic torture device like headgear! Correcting your alignment and bite is a fantastic way to invest in your long-term oral health, as well as your appearance and self-esteem. Shake off those fears of being the goofy kid in the glittering metal.
Do not feel you have to commit to an orthodontic office at the first visit
It is recommended that you meet with several orthodontists and choose the doctor who offers you a completely customized treatment plan using only the latest technology. Make several appointments and explain that you're not going to commit to anyone or anything until you've gotten multiple opinions. They're your teeth, and a great doctor will respect that you have high standards for their care!
Do not forget to smile
Thanks to the great straightening methods employed today, patients no longer have to give tight-lipped smiles to hide their brackets and wires, or, worse, wear headgear that makes them look and feel awkward. In fact, you may find you enjoy smiling more than ever. Not only do modern lingual braces work swiftly, but also, your friends and acquaintances will find your increasingly straight teeth puzzling when you don't appear to be sporting a corrective device. Enjoy your new smile!
Summary
The field of orthodontics has come a long way in the past few decades. Characters in Hollywood movies used to wear visible braces and headgear to make them seem young, vulnerable, and nerdy, but nowadays, you can achieve great alignment and bite without wearing anything embarrassing or conspicuous.
A top orthodontic professional can help you to take your first steps toward a dazzling and confident smile with technology that will never outshine you. And since it won't take you long to notice results, you'll enjoy flashing those pearly whites very soon after you begin your treatment.
