Biting my teeth together led me to decide on "mouthpiece orthodontics." It's almost done, and I'm glad I did it for two reasons!

2024.01.09 published

Teeth can be a source of anxiety when they bother you

It seems that I originally had a narrow jaw.

However, each of my teeth is relatively large, so it seems that not all of my teeth could fit within my jaw.

Both my baby teeth and permanent teeth came in fewer than average, and of course, my teeth were misaligned.

When I was a child (around the late elementary to middle school years), my parents sent me to orthodontic treatment, but after completion, I found it too bothersome to keep wearing the mouthpiece, which gradually led to my teeth shifting over 10 to 15 years. Now, in my 30s, I find myself in a situation where I think, “I’m bothered by just one tooth’s alignment...”.

When it comes to something about my appearance, I can be completely indifferent to it until I start to care, but once I do, it occupies my mind constantly. I even began to feel so self-conscious that I started to dislike facing others.

Especially regarding teeth alignment, I hear and see various opinions... (like it being a matter of manners or education...).

After starting treatment with a mouthpiece, I didn’t worry about my teeth alignment anymore within about six months, and I became stress-free regarding that, so I want to recommend it to everyone! This is why I wrote this article.

➡【From 3,200 yen a month】Here to get mouthpiece orthodontics!

About mouthpiece orthodontics

Mouthpiece orthodontics has become quite popular in recent years.

Traditional orthodontics usually gives the impression of costing around 1 million yen (and about 1.2 times that for lingual braces), while mouthpiece orthodontics generally falls within a budget of 300,000 to 400,000 yen.

The treatment period for conventional braces is typically around 2 years (sometimes longer, like 3 years), whereas mouthpiece orthodontics can be completed in as short as six months to a year, which makes it quite convenient, as many of you already know.

Both mouthpiece orthodontics and conventional braces require continued use of a mouthpiece after treatment (once you no longer need to visit the dentist), because not doing so can result in teeth shifting... this is a common aspect.

I disliked mouthpieces and really didn’t want to wear one regularly, so I thought I wouldn't bother with orthodontics anyway... (since my teeth would drift back regardless...)

But then...

The deciding factor was grinding my teeth...

I didn’t go to esthetics or the gym, and I’m not particularly inclined to have high beauty standards or spend money on such, but I had a specific trigger that prompted me to begin mouthpiece orthodontics.

One day, suddenly, I lost a tooth (my front tooth!).

That tooth was a ceramic one I had installed a long time ago. Since it fell out earlier than expected, I asked the dentist why it came out so quickly.

The dentist replied, “You really grind your teeth, don’t you...???".

(It turns out, I seem to grind my teeth and clench my jaw a lot. But isn’t it impressive that the dentist could tell just by looking in my mouth...?).

"The grinding is putting stress on your teeth and is affecting the lifespan of your ceramic crown.

Also, one of your front teeth is protruding a bit. This is influenced by both the grinding and your poor posture.

Either way, since your teeth grinding is severe, you absolutely should use a mouthpiece to support them; it's definitely the way to go.”

I had already been attending a sleep clinic due to my husband pointing out my snoring and grinding issues, so I was shocked to realize, “Wow! Teeth grinding is affecting me here too...!”

Losing that front tooth was really upsetting, and I wanted to take care of my grinding, so at that moment I resolved to “wear the mouthpiece without complaint.”

Then, I thought, “Since I’m going to wear a mouthpiece anyway, why not do the orthodontics I’ve been concerned about as well...?” This solidified my decision, and I signed up for mouthpiece orthodontics.

I was only bothered by one front tooth (which required moving all my teeth), and I managed to get it done for around 300,000 yen.

➡ALBA Dental offers mouthpiece orthodontics for about 300,000 yen＊＊

Many women grind their teeth.

When I discuss this with others, I often hear, “Actually, I also have severe teeth grinding and jaw clenching while I sleep.”

Teeth grinding and clenching are self-reported by 10-15% of Japanese people, and the main cause seems to be stress...

We are all doing our best, and that’s commendable.

We should take care of ourselves, so being proactive about maintenance and care should be good for our health.

Therefore!

I recommend mouthpiece orthodontics for those who are concerned about their teeth alignment, but especially for those who grind their teeth or clench, as a mouthpiece is fundamentally necessary. If you're going to wear a mouthpiece, wouldn’t it be nice to also achieve clean teeth alignment with mouthpiece orthodontics?

(If you're concerned about your alignment, of course!)

That was my story.

It might be good to start as a couple or with your partner

Another reason I started mouthpiece orthodontics was that my husband also began treatment.

(He chose traditional braces).

Doing this together has fewer psychological hurdles than going alone, and it shares the hardships, making it enjoyable. Plus, both of us can improve our appearance and health, wouldn't it be nice?

For soon-to-be brides, starting about one year to six months before the wedding can be perfect.

Depending on the extent, you can visibly see your teeth moving within three to four months, so it's also great for bridal beauty.

(You can take them out during pre-wedding shoots and on the wedding day, which is nice...!)

There are various orthodontic clinics, but I recommend ALBA Clinic, which uses Invisalign, the pioneer company in mouthpiece orthodontics.

You can start mouthpiece orthodontics for about 300,000 yen, as soon as three months.＊

(The photo is of an actual case)

➡Visit ALBA Dental’s website here＊

Please consider mouthpiece orthodontics＊＊