EVEN IF YOU’VE NEVER had braces before, you’ve probably still heard a lot of things about what they’re like. Well, don’t believe everything you hear, because there is some bad information out there. That’s why today we’re going to bust eight of the most common braces myths.
1. Braces Rust
While braces are often made of metal, they do not rust. The metals in braces are stainless steel and titanium, so you don’t have to worry about them rusting in your mouth.
2. You Can’t Play An Instrument With Braces
It certainly takes some adjusting to play brass or woodwind instruments with braces, but it’s still entirely doable! Don’t feel like you have to choose between proper dental alignment and the instrument you love, because you can have both!
3. You Can’t Play Sports With Braces
If you play a sport, particularly a contact sport, you may have heard that you won’t be able to keep playing while you have braces, but this isn’t the case! As long as you wear a properly fitted mouthguard, your mouth will be protected while you play.
4. Braces Are Only For Teens
It is true that it is easier to get the best possible result with orthodontic treatment as a teenager, but there isn’t a time limit for getting braces. Adults of any age can get them too.
5. My General Dentist Can Give Me Braces
To become an orthodontist, a dentist must gain years of additional training after completing dental school. Your general dentist has not completed this training to understand the best ways to safely and effectively correct dental alignment problems.
6. Rubber Bands Aren’t Important
Failing to wear rubber bands as instructed by the orthodontist is one of the biggest causes for prolonged orthodontic treatment. Wear your rubber bands!
7. Double Rubber Bands Equal Double The Movement
While some patients forget their rubber bands or don’t want to bother with them because they are uncomfortable, other patients think they can reduce their treatment time by wearing even more rubber bands than recommended. Do not do this! Too many rubber bands will cause unnecessary discomfort and they won’t move your teeth the way they are meant to move. You will probably end up needing to wear your braces longer than planned as a result. Stick to the instructions.
8. Your Teeth Will Be Straight Forever After Braces
The periodontal ligaments that hold our teeth in place within our jaws tend to be stubborn. They remember where the teeth used to be before braces, and they want to go back. To keep your teeth in their aligned, post-braces condition, make sure you wear your retainers as recommended.
Trust The Experts, Not The Myths!
Whatever you’ve heard about orthodontic treatment, make sure you bring all your questions to us. We can tell you what braces are really like at your initial consultation, as well as what you can expect from your treatment, how long it will likely take, and what you will experience.
We can’t wait to help you get the smile of your dreams!
| The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Top image by Flickr user Gordon used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original. |