Many dental treatments are shrouded in mystery. Unlike having blood pressure taken at the doctors or the famous ‘read the second line’ of an optician appointment, dental procedures are rarely talked about in the media and so, many patients are unsure about what to expect.
And as the old saying goes, not understanding something fully is the easiest way to become fearful.
Despite understanding exactly what occurs during dental treatments, (many patients are generally aware of them); the most well known, and despised of all dental treatments is the dreaded orthodontic aligner. In the UK alone, it is estimated that over 220,000 people and children wear an aligner per year, meaning a lot of trips to the orthodontist office!
But what are the most common misconceptions about having a brace fitted in Liverpool and what are the most popular questions about this procedure? Read on to find out!
Are there alternatives to a metal aligner?
Yes, there are!
Modern dentistry can offer patients many more options other than the traditional orthodontic aligner and depending on the clinical presentation, alternatives such as the invisible or clear aligner may be more suitable to resolve their misalignment.
However, not everyone is suited to invisible or clear aligners and it is totally dependent on the opinion of the dental professional fitting the brace in Liverpool.
Am I too old for orthodontic work?
While most orthodontic work is associated with children or teenagers, as long as the patient’s overall oral health is good, no one is too old for orthodontic work.
It is worth noting that any orthodontic treatment undertaken as an adult is likely to take slightly longer than if it had been done earlier in life, but success rates for adult orthodontic treatment is still extremely high, so it is a worthwhile investment!
My child needs an aligner fitted – how can I make them feel better about this?
Wearing an aligner is never popular with children or teenagers and can make the entire process very difficult for parents.
Talk in tandem with your child’s orthodontist to explain to your child about the benefits of braces; having a medical professional explaining the benefits will help answer any difficult technical questions, along with normalising the procedure.
Is orthodontic work painful?
There is no point telling fibs; many people who have worn aligners have stated that there is some discomfort.
Depending on the type of aligner, the level of discomfort may vary; traditional metal aligners may be more uncomfortable, while clear and invisible aligners may provide a higher level of comfort.
Be aware, that any discomfort experienced whilst wearing an aligner should be managed with over the counter painkillers. If the discomfort is too severe, visit a dental professional.
How long will I need to wear the aligner for?
This depends on the type of aligner and what it is being used to correct.
Clear or invisible aligners have an average treatment time of about 6-15 months, whereas traditional, metal aligners can take up to 2 years for treatment to be completed.