10 Misconceptions About Orthodontic Care

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding orthodontic care. For instance, some people think that orthodontists are not trained dentists. However, this is not true; the truth is that all orthodontists first undergo training to be dentists, and only about 5% of them go ahead and receive further training to become orthodontists (per Trapnell Orthodontists). Here are more misconceptions about orthodontic care.

Orthodontic Care is For Kids Only

This is one of the most common myths about orthodontic care. Most people think that orthodontic care is for kids only. While it’s true that braces are common in teens and adolescents, there are also a lot of adults who undergo orthodontic treatment. Age is definitely not a factor when it comes to who can receive orthodontic care.

Children Can Only Get Orthodontic Treatment After Losing Baby Teeth

This is also not true. Children can receive orthodontic treatment even before they lose all their baby teeth. It’s actually recommended to have children schedule an appointment before this happens to see if there are any issues with the way permanent teeth are coming in. This allows orthodontists to catch issues before they become complicated.

Orthodontic Treatment Only Delivers Aesthetic Benefits

While it’s true that most people receive orthodontic care to improve their appearance, there are also other benefits to this type of dental care. For instance, orthodontic treatment can make it easier for you to brush and floss between crowded teeth. It can also help fix jaw alignment issues and alleviate speech and chewing issues.

You Must Wear Braces for a Long Time

This is another myth about orthodontic care. There is no set time for how long everyone should wear braces. In fact, the duration of braces depends on the state of your oral health. This means that the time required for treatment to be completed will vary from person to person. However, most people will wear braces for about one to three years and rarely longer than that.

Braces are Painful For Everyone

Most people associate orthodontic treatment with pain. However, it’s important to understand that this is because most people who go to the orthodontist will be experiencing pain already. This means that in most cases, it won’t be the braces that are painful but rather the symptoms of the condition triggering the need for orthodontic care. The truth is that most braces nowadays are quite comfortable.

Braces Are Your Only Option If You Have Misaligned Teeth

While braces are quite common, it’s not true that they are your only option if you want to correct misalignment issues. There are other options that can help you fix your issues without getting braces. All you need is to ask your orthodontist if there is something else that can be done.

Braces Deliver Quick Results

While braces will get to work as soon as they are installed, it will take time for you to start noticing any changes. In some instances, you might even develop new gaps in your teeth. However, by the time treatment is complete, your teeth alignment issues will be sorted.

Braces Will Not Look Good

The good thing about braces nowadays is that they have become more of a fashion statement. You can talk to your orthodontist and have them find braces that will look good on you. There are also other options available, unlike in the past when you only had metal braces as a single option.

Orthodontic Treatment is Highly Costly

While orthodontic treatment is not necessarily cheap, there are options that will help you make the cost more manageable. You can also look into how you can get an insurance rebate or a flexible payment plan.

Brace Wires Need Constant Adjustment

Only the older types of braces needed to be adjusted frequently. Nowadays, braces are made using better materials, and the wires will only need to be changed after a while.

These are some of the common myths surrounding orthodontic care. All of these misconceptions are not true, and if you need clarity about anything relating to orthodontic care, you must consult your orthodontist and have them clear things up for you.