Braces are the first step in your orthodontic journey towards a better smile. As you begin this process, you may encounter some myths and misconceptions about orthodontic treatment. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Luv Braces has an office of braces experts who want to have the correct information to begin your treatment on the right foot. Let’s examine ten of the most common myths about braces and clear them up.
Myth #1: Braces have to be on for a long time to work
It takes time to adjust to braces treatment no matter what. This is especially true if you need more in-depth jaw adjustments. Braces make small, gradual 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 goals. Just know that a better smile is always worth the wait!
Myth #2: Braces are only for kids and teens
When we think of braces, we often picture a 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 are only for cosmetics
There are lots of benefits to braces besides a more visually pleasing smile. There are 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. For most of our patients, jaw misalignment or malocclusion can be remedied with braces.
Myth #4: Braces are painful
While there may be some irritation when you start treatment, this usually fades away as your teeth adjust to the new metal appliances. There may be some discomfort and soreness during your routine adjustment appointments. Overall, your braces should not cause any actual lasting pain. The discomfort you may experience does not affect the efficiency of your braces.
Myth #5: You can’t play sports or instruments
It’s important to 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 hobbies during treatment! One way you can protect 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 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. Along with traditional braces, we offer clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners to our patients. No matter what your orthodontic goals are or what your lifestyle is like, we’ve got you covered.
Myth #7: Braces straighten your teeth forever
Your smile care won’t end when your treatment does. Once your braces are off, it’ll be time for the next phase of your orthodontic treatment. Your mouth will be in a vulnerable, post-treatment state as your teeth attempt to shift back into the place they were before braces. Your jaw needs time to grow and 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 #8: Braces will severely limit what you can eat
During your treatment period, it’s good to avoid certain food 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 #9: Metal braces are the only braces available
There are many patients who don’t want the challenges that come with metal brackets and wires. The last several years have seen many advancements in orthodontic technology that have provided more options for people seeking treatments. While bracket-and-wire braces are the most widely used option, there is also a clear, ceramic alternative. At our office, we offer Invisalign to be used in place or in combination with your standard braces treatment plan.
Myth #10: Constant Wire Changes
Follow-up visits are an essential part of your orthodontic process, and our team wants to work 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 our orthodontists making minor adjustments and visually inspecting the movement to be sure you are progressing as you should be.
Give your teeth some love, at Luv Braces
You need a team that can help you tell fact from fiction. At Luv Braces, our mission is to provide high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in the Austin and Bee Cave areas. If you’re interested in learning more about the variety of treatment options we provide, our team would love to meet you.
Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour are standing by with the education and experience you need to reach the smile of your dreams. Schedule a FREE consultation today to get the facts you need for prolonged oral health!