There’s a lot of disinformation floating around out there about braces. Do braces cause metal detectors to go off at the airport? No. Will you get hit by lightning if you open your mouth during a thunderstorm? Of course not. If you kiss another person who has braces, will they lock together? That only happens in the movies. These braces myths are extreme, but there are others out there that sound much more plausible. We’re here to help you sift through the myths and get to the facts.
Let’s Debunk Myths of Braces!
Braces are Just for Kids – When most people hear the word “braces” they think of pimply-faced teenagers with crooked teeth, but nearly one out of every five American adults is now wearing
braces. For some adults, wearing braces is for purely cosmetic reasons and gives them the opportunity to improve their appearance and overall oral health. But, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, there are several potential reasons to wear braces in adulthood including overbites, incorrect jaw position, and crowded teeth.
Only Braces Can Straighten My Teeth – Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening system that uses clear trays that slip over your teeth and help them move over time. This is good news for adults who are worried about the aesthetics of traditional braces. How does it work? You get a new tray every two weeks. Your teeth shift incrementally each time and eventually straighten. Though Invisalign® seems to be the ideal solution for some, it does have its limitations. The best way to know if this system will work for you is to make an appointment with your doctor.
Braces Hurt! – It’s a common complaint from many who wore braces as a teenager. Traditionally, only stiff wires were used, which lead to more pain and discomfort, however, with new technologies and flexible wires, braces are significantly more comfortable to wear. Of course, when you first get your braces from your orthodontist, you will feel a little bit of pain, but this is temporary and will wear off in 1-2 weeks.
The Tighter the Braces, the Faster You Get Them Off – In many ways this is a logical assumption, but just because your braces are tight, doesn’t mean that they will straighten your teeth any faster. In fact, it can extend the overall time you need to wear your braces. There’s a certain level of force needed to move your teeth, but if that force level is too high it causes teeth to move in the wrong direction or lead to bone and tissue damage.
Teeth will Remain Straight Forever – Based on a study from the Journal of Dental Research, your teeth will continue to move throughout your lifetime, and in some cases, will straighten out on their own without the use of braces. But, if you had braces in your youth, there is the possibility that they will revert to their original position in the mouth over time, so it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and continue to wear your retainers and other orthodontic appliances.
Contact Dr. Andy Today!
If you’re thinking about getting braces, contact Dr. Andy’s office to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Andy will examine your teeth and mouth and help you determine if braces are right for you. Give us a call today at (440) 842-8015 or send us an email at info@skororthodontics.com.
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