Getting your braces on is the first big step in your orthodontic journey. Once you start this process, you may encounter some myths and misinformation about the orthodontic treatment process. Master Orthodontics wants you to have the correct information to begin your treatment on the right foot. Let’s take a look at the ten braces myths you need to know.
Myth #1: Braces are painful
While there may be some irritation right at the start of your treatment, this typically fades away as your teeth adjust to the new appliances. There may be some discomfort and soreness during your routine adjustment appointments. However, your braces should not cause any actual lasting pain. The discomfort you may experience does not affect the efficiency of your braces.
Myth #2: Braces are only for kids and teens
When we picture braces, we often imagine a pimply teenager or kid. This is because young people’s teeth are not fully developed, which can make it easier for braces to move their teeth in the right direction. For this reason, braces do tend to be more common in late childhood or the teenage years. However, you’re never too old to improve your smile! Your teeth can be adjusted with braces at any point, but some issues may be easier to treat when you are younger. With metal and clear braces and Invisalign options, orthodontic treatment is possible for patients of all ages!
Myth #3: Braces have to be on for a long time to work
Adjusting your teeth is a process that takes time. This is especially true if you need more in-depth jaw adjustments. Braces make small changes that move your teeth, and doing this too fast would be very painful and could lead to oral health problems. Most orthodontic patients spend twelve to thirty-six months in treatment and adjustments, and it can vary depending on your oral health and your orthodontic goals. Just know that a better smile is always worth the wait!
Myth #4: Braces are only for cosmetics
There’s many perks to braces besides a more aesthetically pleasing smile. There’s other more functional benefits to braces too. Imperfect teeth can affect your speech, chewing, digestion, sleep, and even your breathing. Tooth crowding can make it difficult to properly floss and clear plaque and debris. A misaligned bite can lead to poor oral health overall. Lucky for our patients, jaw misalignment or malocclusion can be remedied with braces.
Myth #5: You can’t play sports or instruments
You should always protect your teeth and mouth when playing sports or instruments, especially when you have braces. However, you don’t have to give up your favorite activities during treatment! One tip for protecting your teeth while playing sports is to wear a protective mouthguard to stay safe from the impact that could damage your braces. As for musical instruments, the added devices in your mouth may require a bit of adjustment while playing, but it shouldn’t keep you from enjoying music.
Myth #6: Braces straighten your teeth forever
The end of your treatment doesn’t mean the end of your oral health care. After your braces are removed, you will move on to the next phase of your orthodontic treatment. Your mouth is vulnerable post-treatment because your teeth attempt to shift back into the place they were before braces. Your jaw bone needs time to fully remodel and adjust to support the adjustments that were made. For this reason, you will need to wear a retainer that keeps pressure on the teeth to keep them from moving. This will be a removable device, but you will need to wear it regularly as instructed to ensure that the adjustments made while wearing braces are not compromised.
Myth #7: Braces will severely limit what you can eat
During the treatment process, it’s wise to avoid certain foods that may damage your braces, or can make cleaning your braces tricky. Crunchy foods like raw apples and carrots, nuts, and popcorn, and sticky foods like candies with caramel and taffy can cause your appliances to break. They can even cause damage to your teeth, tongue, and gums. Most other foods will not pose a problem with eating or proper oral care. As long as you mind your appliance, you can still enjoy most of your favorite snacks during treatment!
Myth #8: Metal braces are the only braces available
A lot of patients don’t want the complications that come with brackets and wires. The past several years have seen advancements in orthodontic technology that have provided more options for people seeking treatments. While bracket-and-wire braces are the most commonly used option, there is a clear, ceramic alternative. At our offices, we offer Invisalign to be used in place or in combination with your standard braces treatment plan.
Myth #9: Braces are the only option for straightening your teeth
Braces are the most popular way to correct your teeth. However, they’re not the only option! Advancements in orthodontic technology have created more ways for you to achieve your smile goals. Alongside traditional braces, we offer clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners to our patients. No matter what your goals are or what your lifestyle is like, we have plenty of options for you to choose from.
Myth #10: Constant Wire Changes
Your follow-up visits are an important part of the orthodontic process. Dr. Caballero wants to collaborate with you to help you achieve your goals. Adjustments will be expected and there may be reasons for the wire to be exchanged at certain points in your treatment plan. However, they will not be as frequent as you may expect! The visits will typically consist of Dr. Caballero making minor adjustments and visually inspecting the movement to be sure you are progressing as planned.
Get the best at Master Orthodontics
At Master Orthodontics, we aim to provide patients with a professional and stress-free orthodontic experience, from your first visit to the day your brand new smile is revealed. Our offices in Bremerton, Gig Harbor, and Port Orchard believe every patient should have access to high-quality, affordable orthodontic care, and we work hard to ensure this for every patient. Contact our office to schedule your consultation to learn more about treatment, costs, and payment options. No matter your age, we want to be there for you every step of your orthodontic journey. Get in touch to schedule your consultation today for prolonged oral health!
