10 Myths About Braces You Should Stop Believing

Having crooked teeth can be a problem, but braces have helped millions of people get healthy and straight-looking teeth with beautiful smiles. While braces are seen as a great option to correct smiles, there are a lot of myths surrounding them. This is making people confused about getting braces for their uneven teeth. So if you have ever heard that braces can stop you from eating food, or you’ve hesitated to get braces because someone told you they’re just for kids, this blog is for you. We will discuss the 10 myths about braces you should know and stop believing them. So brace yourselves and keep reading!

Myth 1: Braces Are Only for Kids

This myth is one of the most common ones. Many people believe that only getting braces as a kid is the right way. But the truth is, orthodontic treatment like braces works at any age, just as long as your gums and teeth are healthy and strong enough to support them.

If you’re an adult who’s thinking about getting braces, you can go ahead because, unlike kids, adults can follow the dentist’s recommendation clearly and adjust their lifestyle.

Myth 2: Braces Are Extremely Painful

Yes, braces can cause mild discomfort, especially for a few days after the orthodontic treatment, but severe pain is different. Most people usually feel a little pressure or tightness around their teeth, which is bearable.

Unlike in the past, braces are small, lightweight, and more comfortable today since they are made with low-force technology and apply pressure slowly, which makes it more tolerable than the big and heavy braces.

Myth 3: You Can Only Get Braces in Metal

Modern orthodontic treatments offer a wide range of options for braces as per individual needs and preferences. You can opt between ceramic braces or clear (aligner) braces, or seamless hidden braces (lingual).

Especially the clean aligners like Invisalign are a great option for patients who want to get braces but should look discreet when they are adjusted.

Myth 4: Braces Will Interfere with Sports

Even when you have braces as a sports player, you don’t need to be worried about them getting in your way because they don’t stop you, whether you’re boxing or playing football.

But if you are still worried, a custom orthodontic mouthguard can help you keep your teeth in perfect shape and braces safe during sports-related impact. Just talk to your orthodontist about the sports you’re playing, and you will receive the best suggestion for your braces.

Myth 5: You Can't Eat Anything with Braces

Except for a few foods, you can have anything when you have braces. Foods like chewing gums, sticky and chewy foods, and foods that are hard to bite, should be avoided, but you can still have them when the braces come off!

There are still plenty of delicious and healthy food options you have, like fruits, rice, pasta, yoghurt, and steamed veggies, which are safe. They not only keep your braces in place, but are also good for your overall health.

Myth 6: Braces Will Ruin Your Smile

While your teeth might look a bit uneven during treatment, braces are designed to create a healthier and straighter smile. It is just a temporary condition to have permanent teeth that are even.

But to actually keep your smile looking great, practice good oral hygiene, like brushing after meals, flossing daily, and visiting your orthodontist regularly.

Myth 7: You Have to Wear Braces for All Years After Getting Them

People often assume they’ll be stuck with braces forever, but the average treatment time can be anywhere from 12 to 24 months, which depends on each patient’s unique case.

Factors like age, the extent of the teeth problem, and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions also affect how long you have to wear your braces.

Myth 8: Everyone Will Notice Your Braces

Worried about your braces becoming the only thing that people will notice about you? Not anymore because modern braces have seamless designs, including clear braces that are not so easily noticeable.

Moreover, many people are getting braces now, so it is seen as a positive self-care routine, and not something to be embarrassed about.

Myth 9: Braces Pick Up Radio Signals

This myth sounds more like a joke than a real myth, but it is still something that people are concerned about. Your braces don’t have antennas, and they’re made from medical-grade materials, not some science-fiction materials. So, braces cannot pick up radio signals.

Myth 10: After Braces, Your Teeth Will Stay Straight Forever

Braces can only correct your unevenly grown teeth, but you still need retainers to keep your corrected teeth in place. Your teeth can naturally shift back right after treatment, but wearing retainers will help keep them in the right position, and they are totally different from braces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while braces are considered a good dental treatment to correct crooked teeth, there are still myths surrounding them. In this blog, we have given the 10 myths of wearing braces, like painful braces, radio signals picked up by braces, food restrictions, not being able to play sports, or only having metal braces, and their actual truth, so you don’t have to be confused or afraid of getting this orthodontic treatment.

At Whitefield Dental Clinic, we specialize in orthodontic treatment, like braces, to help our patients overcome unevenly grown teeth and correct them. Book your appointment with our orthodontist to get the perfect braces for your teeth.