Getting braces is a significant step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile.
However, many misconceptions about orthodontic treatment can cause unnecessary anxiety. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the reality behind these myths can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Myth 1: Braces Are Only for Children and Teenagers
FACT: While many people associate braces with adolescence, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age.
Recent surveys show that over 70% of adults are considering orthodontic treatment. As teeth can be realigned throughout life, many orthodontic practices report that 25-30% of their patients are over 18 years old.
Read more: An Orthodontist’s Comprehensive Guide to Braces for Children
Adults can achieve the same benefits from orthodontic treatment as younger patients, though treatment may take slightly longer since adult teeth are no longer growing.
Myth 2: Braces Always Hurt
FACT: While some discomfort is normal when braces are first fitted or after adjustments, most people find wearing braces completely comfortable. Modern orthodontic technology has led to smaller brackets with smoother surfaces and wires that apply gentle, constant forces to move teeth efficiently.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Braces in Singapore
The initial discomfort typically subsides within a few days as you adjust to the appliance. Regular adjustment appointments usually cause minimal discomfort.
Myth 3: Braces Will Set Off Metal Detectors
FACT: The lightweight metals used in modern braces aren’t substantial enough to trigger metal detectors at airports or other security checkpoints.
Even braces with fully metal brackets and wires don’t contain enough metal to cross the detection threshold. You can travel confidently without worrying about setting off alarms or being singled out during security screenings.
Myth 4: If You Kiss Someone with Braces, You Can Get Locked Together
FACT: This common fear has no basis in reality. Modern braces use fine materials that make it virtually impossible for braces to become interlocked during kissing.
Additionally, the materials in braces are not magnetic, so there’s no risk of attraction between two sets of braces. Braces will not negatively impact your personal relationships.
Myth 5: You Can’t Eat Your Favorite Foods with Braces
FACT: While some dietary adjustments are necessary with braces, you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods. The key is taking extra care with hard or crunchy foods by:
- Cutting apples and other firm fruits into smaller pieces
- Removing meat from bones before eating
- Avoiding particularly sticky or chewy foods that could damage brackets
With these simple modifications, most foods remain on the menu throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Myth 6: Teeth Will Stay Straight Forever After Braces
FACT: Braces effectively straighten teeth, but maintaining that alignment requires ongoing care. Without proper retainer use as prescribed by your orthodontist, teeth may gradually shift back toward their original positions.
Once braces are removed, there’s nothing physically preventing teeth from moving. Retainers are just as important as the active treatment phase for ensuring long-term results.
Myth 7: Orthodontic Treatment Takes Many Years
FACT: While orthodontic treatment isn’t instantaneous, the average treatment time is approximately 18-24 months, not the many years that some people fear.
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case, with simpler alignment issues often requiring less time. Modern orthodontic techniques and technologies have significantly reduced treatment times compared to previous decades.
Myth 8: Braces Are Extremely Noticeable
FACT: Today’s orthodontic options include many discreet alternatives to traditional metal braces. These include:
- Ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets
- Lingual braces attached to the inside of teeth
- Clear aligners like InvisalignĀ®, SparkĀ®, and other brands
Even traditional metal braces have become smaller and less noticeable over time. You have options that fit your comfort level regarding appearance during treatment.
Read more: Invisalign Vs Braces: Which Is Best? An Orthodontist Discusses
Myth 9: Braces Are Only for Cosmetic Purposes
FACT: While improving appearance is a significant benefit, orthodontic treatment serves many important functional purposes, including:
- Correcting misaligned bites that cause uneven wear on teeth
- Improving oral hygiene by making teeth easier to clean
- Reducing risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- Alleviating jaw pain and pressure
- Addressing issues related to speech and eating
- Helping with sleep apnea in some cases
Proper alignment contributes to better overall oral health and can prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
Myth 10: You Must Have a Referral to See an Orthodontist
FACT: While many patients are referred by their family dentist, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
You can contact an orthodontist directly to arrange an assessment and discuss treatment options. Many orthodontic practices offer free initial consultations to evaluate your specific needs.
Myth 11: Braces Will Give You a Lisp or Affect Your Speech
FACT: While lingual braces (placed behind the teeth) may temporarily affect speech since they’re located near the tongue, most orthodontic treatments cause minimal speech changes.
Traditional braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners typically don’t impede speech significantly. Any minor speech adjustments that do occur usually resolve quickly as you adapt to the appliance.
Myth 12: You Can’t Play Sports or Musical Instruments with Braces
FACT: Braces don’t prevent participation in sports or playing musical instruments. For sports, specially designed mouthguards can protect both your braces and mouth during physical activities.
Musicians, particularly those playing wind instruments, may require a brief adjustment period, but with practice and possibly orthodontic wax to ease comfort, playing becomes comfortable again. Many professional athletes and musicians successfully wear braces without compromising their performance.
Myth 13: Braces Cause Cavities and Gum Disease
FACT: While braces themselves don’t cause cavities or gum disease, they can make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and potentially leading to these issues.
These issues arise from inadequate oral hygiene, not the orthodontic appliances. While food can become trapped around brackets more easily, maintaining proper brushing and flossing techniques, using fluoride products, and attending regular dental cleanings during treatment will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Many orthodontists provide specific tools and instructions to help patients maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Myth 14: Dentists and Orthodontists Offer the Same Services
FACT: While all orthodontists are dentists, only about 3% of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school, focusing specifically on diagnosing and treating misalignment of teeth and jaws.
This specialization makes orthodontists the most qualified professionals to provide comprehensive orthodontic care, especially for complex cases that require significant tooth movement or bite correction.
Myth 15: Children Shouldn’t See an Orthodontist Until All Adult Teeth Have Erupted
FACT: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Early assessment allows orthodontists to:
- Identify potential issues before they become more serious
- Guide jaw growth properly
- Monitor the emergence of permanent teeth
- Determine if and when early intervention might be necessary
While not all children need immediate treatment, early evaluation helps create a plan for optimal timing of any necessary interventions.
Conclusion
Modern orthodontic treatment offers more options, greater comfort, and better results than ever before. By understanding the facts behind these common myths, you can approach orthodontic treatment with confidence rather than apprehension.
If you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, consulting with a qualified orthodontist is the best way to address your specific concerns and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs.
Remember that successful orthodontic treatment leads not only to a more attractive smile but also contributes to better oral health and function throughout life. With proper care during and after treatment, the benefits of orthodontic care can last a lifetime.