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If you are thinking about getting braces or Invisalign, or if your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may be unsure what is fact and what is fiction. There is a great deal of information out there about orthodontics, but not all of it is true.
Let’s clear some of the most common myths about orthodontic treatment.
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Myth #1: Braces are only for kids and teens.
Fact: Orthodontic Treatment is for all ages!
It is true that many people get braces as teenagers, but no one is exempt from the need for straightening their teeth.
More and more adults than ever are opting for orthodontic treatment. With choices such as clear aligners (Invisalign), seamless ceramic braces and lingual braces it is now possible to get orthodontic treatment in a discreet manner, at any age, without having to suffer unsightly ‘train-track braces’!
If you have always wanted to improve your teeth but believed you were past the age of getting braces, you are not alone.
Myth #2: Braces are painful.
Fact: There may be some discomfort, but it’s completely manageable.
One of the most common fears that people have about braces is that they will be painful. The truth? While you might feel some pressure or mild soreness when you first get them or after an adjustment, it’s both temporary and manageable.
Most people say that it is a dull ache that lasts for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief products and soft foods are also good for this time, but after that, you will hardly even feel it. And with modern advances such as ‘Invisalign’, many patients have even less discomfort.
Myth #3: Invisalign doesn’t work as well as braces.
Fact: Clear aligners can be just as effective – if not better – for many cases.
There is a common perception that Invisalign is restricted to minor teeth straightening, but this is wrong. Invisalign can be used to treat most of the conditions that traditional braces can, including gaps between the teeth, crowding, and bite issues.
The Invisalign treatment works as long as you wear the aligners for 20-22 hours each day. You will get the same results without the wires and brackets if you stick to the instructions.
However, there are some cases that cannot be treated with Invisalign and may require conventional braces. The only way to determine which treatment is most suitable for you is to consult an orthodontist.
Myth #4: After the braces come off, your teeth are set for life.
Fact: Retainers are a must if you want to keep your new smile!
Braces and aligners move your teeth, but once they are off, your teeth have a tendency to move back to their initial position. That’s why retainers are so important – they help keep your teeth in place long-term.
Most people will have to wear their retainers full time for several months after treatment then graduate to night-time wear only. It is a pretty small price to pay to ensure that your new smile remains one that is worth smiling about forever!
Myth #5: Braces take years to work.
Fact: Treatment time varies, but cases can be completed in under a year.
year, if it is a relatively minor correction.
The acceleration of orthodontic treatment and the improvement of braces materials and techniques have also reduced the time of the process. The only way to tell how long the treatment will take is to see your orthodontist and get his/her professional opinion. The fact that many solutions are now discreet in appearance means that many patients are less sensitive about the time it takes, anyway, as the interruption to ‘normal’ life is minimal.
Myth #6: You can’t eat your favourite foods with braces.
Fact: You can still enjoy most foods – you just need to be a little careful.
Wearing braces can mean that you should avoid some foods, but it is not as restrictive as you may think. The only foods that should be avoided are hard, sticky or chewy in order to avoid damaging the braces (the brackets and wires). Common foods to avoid are popcorn, chewy caramel or toffee and hard crunchy apples.
But there is a lot of food you can still enjoy, including pasta, soft bread, yogurt and smoothies. And if you are using Invisalign, there are no restrictions at all; you just have to take out your aligners whilst you eat!
Myth #7: Braces will make it harder to speak or play instruments.
Fact: You might need a short adjustment period, but it won’t last long.
When you just get braces you may have a slight lisp or feel like you have a foreign object in your mouth when you talk, but your mouth will get used to it. If you play a wind or brass instrument, there may be a brief period of time where you will have to adjust, but most musicians are able to adjust completely within a few weeks.
When using Invisalign, there could be a slight lisp right after the treatment, but the tongue and muscles will learn how to work around it and you will be able to speak normally again in a few days.
Final Thoughts: Orthodontic Treatment is easier than you think!
If you have been postponing orthodontic treatment due to one or more of the myths above, then this should help set the record straight! A healthy and straight smile is an asset and with current advancements in orthodontics, it is now easier, more discreet and more comfortable than ever to get one.
If you are not sure whether you need braces or Invisalign, the best thing to do is to consult your dentist. Only a professional orthodontist can come up with a clear plan of action based on your case – and recommend the best treatment option from a range – no myths involved, just the facts!
If you are looking for the #1 choice Orthodontist in St Albans or the surrounding area, then please contact us.