Top 6 Misconceptions About Braces
Most people know if you want to straighten your teeth, braces are the way to go. While there are many different options when it comes to braces nowadays, there are still some misconceptions that need to be addressed.
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, and your local orthodontist can help you to determine which types of orthodontic services are best for you.
Don’t let some of the misinformation surrounding braces keep you from taking care of your oral health. Let’s look at a few of these twisted truths, so you can make a more informed decision and embrace your brace face!
1. “Braces Are Just For Kids”
When most people think about braces, they also tend to think about kids and teens. While it’s true that many teenagers get braces to straighten out their teeth before adulthood, that isn’t always the case.
It doesn’t matter how old you are—you can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Maybe you couldn’t afford braces earlier in life, or maybe orthodontic care wasn’t a priority before. Whatever the case, if you’d like to have a straighter smile, it’s never too late. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being “embarrassed” with traditional braces. There are alternatives today, like Invisalign, that can remain discreet while you straighten your smile.
2.“Braces Are Expensive”
If you have crooked teeth and you want to get them fixed, it can indeed be an investment, but if you’ve avoided getting braces because you’re worried about the cost, don’t be afraid to do your research.
Nowadays, because there are different types of braces and orthodontic care, there are also different price points.
You may also find that your orthodontist will be willing to work with you on a payment plan, so it’s not such a burden to your wallet all at once.
3. “Braces Are Painful”
The idea of having a mouth full of metal can trigger images of pain for some people. That kind of fear is what keeps those people from getting braces and straightening their smile.
However, the old stereotype about braces causing pain is exaggerated. While you may feel a little discomfort as your teeth begin to shift, your braces shouldn’t feel painful. If you’re worried that traditional metal braces might hurt more, consider transparent braces or Invisalign as an alternative.
4.“Braces Are Only For Cosmetic Purposes”
Even if a straight smile isn’t necessarily your main concern, you may still need braces. A common misconception is that people only get braces for their teeth to look better and straighter. While braces can absolutely straighten out your smile, they can also improve your oral health by keeping your bite in line.
If your teeth don’t line up properly, you might have trouble eating specific foods or cleaning them properly. You might also start to grind your teeth (especially the front ones) unevenly, which is very difficult to repair. If you grind your teeth, braces can be used as a preventative measure to keep them even, rather than having to get them fixed later. Your teeth need to fit together properly in order for them to be healthy. Having a straighter smile is just a bonus!
5. “Braces Permanently Keep Your Teeth Straight”
Does the following sound familiar? “I don’t need braces. I had them when I was a kid!” If you’ve told yourself this as an excuse not to get braces now, you could be lying to yourself about your own oral health. Braces do their job at any age, but after-care is important. Sometimes, when kids and teens get braces, they have a hard time following up with wearing their retainer or other devices to keep their teeth in line.
As a result, the teeth can eventually shift, and you might be back where you started (or worse!). So, while braces are designed to keep your teeth straight, you can’t assume that they’ll stay that way forever if you didn’t properly care for your teeth when they were off. If you’re an adult now, it doesn’t matter if you’ve had braces in the past. Your top priority should be the health of your teeth.
6. “Braces Take A Long Time To Work”
How long it takes braces to work depends on a variety of factors. The timeline is different for everyone, but the average range of treatment is around 18 months. Some people can achieve the results they need in a shorter amount of time, while it takes longer for others.
You may start to see some changes and notice a few differences in the way your teeth look in as little as four weeks once you get your braces on. That can be encouraging, especially if you had worries about getting them in the first place. Just imagine how great your teeth will look when you get your braces off! You may have to wear a retainer for a longer period of time once your braces are removed, but those are far less noticeable and don’t have to be worn 24/7.
The good news is there have been many advancements made in recent years when it comes to the functionality and fashion of braces. So, no matter how long it takes to get the smile you deserve, you can wear your braces with confidence.
“Braces Take A Long Time To Work”
At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on treating our patients like friends and family. Whether you need questions about orthodontic treatment answered or you’ve fallen victim to some of the myths listed here (or others!), we can help to clear things up.
If you’re not happy with your smile and you want straighter teeth, let us create an orthodontic treatment plan that fits your specific needs. We’ll guide you through the process every step of the way so you’ll always be well-informed, and you can kick those misconceptions to the curb! Contact us today to set up an appointment.
