Creative Commons image by Monica Y Garza
Are you unhappy with the way your smile looks, so your dentist has suggested braces as a possible solution? Or maybe your dentist has told you that your child will benefit from dental braces. Hearing this news for the first time can make you feel overwhelmed and nervous. There are many myths about orthodontic braces floating around, and now is a great time to set things straight and address some of them.
Myth #1: Dental braces are only for teenagers.
While you would likely see many teens in braces if you were to visit a middle school or high school, they are not exclusively made for teenagers. Many younger children start orthodontic care when they are as young as 8 years old (or even younger, in some cases). It would not be strange to see kids in elementary school wearing braces. Starting early can give the orthodontist a head start and solve some issues before they have a chance to permanently affect the child’s bite.
Many adults are also getting braces nowadays. Some opt for the traditional metal brackets, but others choose lingual braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, which is like a series of clear retainers that you wear over your teeth.
Myth #2: Braces are put on only for cosmetic reasons.
Many times, braces are used to make the teeth look better. If your bite is misaligned, however, there may be more than cosmetic reasons to have braces put on. Teeth that do not come together correctly can make your jaw feel off-balance when you chew your food. If one or more teeth are crooked, it can be difficult for you to clean all surfaces. You might also suffer from headaches, jaw pain or even earaches if your teeth are in malocclusion.
Your orthodontist can tell you whether you are likely to have functional problems due to your bite, or if the issue is merely cosmetic.
Myth #3: Once braces are off, tooth position is permanent.
This is a myth that can lead to a lot of frustration. In many cases, once active orthodontic treatment is finished, you will still need to wear a retainer, sometimes for life. If you don’t wear the retainer, your teeth can shift toward their original positions. Make sure that you understand exactly how long and for how many hours each day you need to wear your retainer to avoid losing months of progress that you’ve gained from your braces.
If you have questions about your dental braces, please make an appointment with your dentist or your orthodontist. These professionals can help you achieve a brighter, straighter smile.
