Misinformation about braces and the orthodontic process abounds online, and this can sometimes make people avoid treatment altogether, or relapse treatment they’ve already had. Here, we’d like to clear up 4 common myths about braces.
1. People only get braces for aesthetic reasons.
A beautiful-looking, even smile is naturally an enormous benefit to getting orthodontic treatment, but there are many health benefits to orthodontic treatment too!
For instance, straight teeth are much easier to clean and maintain than misaligned teeth, since there aren't as many crevices for food particles and plaque to build up in.
Misaligned teeth can make eating certain foods more difficult, and they can cause an uneven wear pattern because they grind unevenly.
2. Braces are for kids and teenagers; I want to straighten my teeth, but I’ve missed my chance.
Anyone with healthy teeth can benefit from orthodontic treatment! Age isn’t a barrier to orthodontic treatment.
The fact is, the fundamental process that allows teeth to move and change position is the same for everyone, regardless of age. And these days, there are many low-profile, virtually invisible braces options, which means you don’t have to worry about looking unprofessional or 'too young' in your day to day life.
3. Rubber bands are the least important part of my treatment, so I don’t really need to keep them on all the time.
This myth is very common, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Although they’re not made of metal like many of the other parts of your braces, rubber bands play a highly important role.
The rubber bands are there to move your top teeth and your bottom teeth in relation to each other, so that they sit comfortably together, improving your bite.
To make sure your treatment proceeds as it should, you must wear your elastic bands full time, as prescribed. Otherwise, you’re just stalling your progress!
4. My teeth have shifted after treatment. This means my orthodontist didn’t do a good job.
Having worn braces in the past doesn’t necessarily mean that your teeth won’t shift out of position over time.
This is why you have your retainer! Just after your orthodontic treatment is complete, you'll wear your retainer full time. Once your orthodontist says so, you can move to part-time, but you should always wear your retainer, at least periodically.