Why Do You Need Braces?

Braces are a widely recognized method of correcting dental issues such as crooked teeth, crowded jaws, and other alignment problems. While some people opt for the spontaneous and dramatic changes in teeth alignment through unconventional and sometimes risky methods, it's important to understand that the traditional and medically sound route is often the most reliable and effective.

Unconventional Methods vs. Medical Orthodontic Care

One unconventional method often heard about is causing a dental injury that requires braces. For instance, participating in a martial arts class and getting hit in the teeth hard enough to break them could necessitate braces to realign the teeth. However, this method is highly riskier and far from guaranteed:

Risk of Pain and Injuries: Being hit in the teeth could result in severe pain, broken teeth, or even jaw injuries. The initial damage could be significant and even permanent. Financial Burden: The cost of correcting such damage and obtaining braces could range from several thousand dollars and beyond. It's a considerable expense that is best avoided if possible. Pain and Recovery: The recovery period following such an injury might be lengthy and painful. It could take several months before the person feels fully recovered.

While some might find the dramatic change in their smile tempting, it's crucial to weigh the potential risks and costs.

Free Orthodontic Treatment for UK Citizens

In the United Kingdom, citizens have access to free orthodontic treatment up to the age of 18. This has led to a common sight of people with braces. However, as someone who did not intentionally harm their teeth, such as through injury, my teeth were simply crooked. They needed to be realigned through the use of braces.

Here’s my personal story: I was born with several significant dental conditions. I had a cleft lip and palate, and was missing a tooth. As a result, the process of getting my teeth straightened included creating space for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. This process required a series of surgical and orthodontic steps to ensure a proper and lasting outcome.

When to See a Dentist

It's often recommended to see a dentist and discuss any concerns about your smile. The cost of dental work, including braces, can be substantial. In my case, I spent around 3,000 dollars to fix my teeth, and even after that, it's slightly painful to wake up some days. Additionally, the process can involve procedures like tooth removal, which can be uncomfortable and recovery might take a while.

Furthermore, braces themselves can sometimes cause issues. For instance, my partner got his braces, and while his top teeth are straight, his bottom teeth are crowded. This was after his bottom teeth were also straightened, indicating that braces can indeed affect the teeth in the opposite way they were intended to.

Conclusion

While it might seem tempting to take a dramatic route to fix teeth, it's generally better to consult a professional and discuss dental options. A dentist can provide a proper assessment and recommend the best course of action, which might be more reliable and less risky than trying to cause dental injuries or mistakenly assuming crooked teeth are due to one's actions.