Are braces on the books for you in 2022? It’s normal to feel a little nervous about what’s to come, especially if you’ve heard some of the myths and rumors that surround the treatment process. We’re here to set the record straight! Like anything new in life, braces do require a period of adjustment, but many of the things you may be worried about are unlikely to occur. Let’s take a look at the 10 most common myths about braces, why they’re wrong, and what you can expect from your journey with Saddle Creek Orthodontics!
Braces have to hurt in order to work
This is one of the biggest concerns new patients have about the treatment process, and fortunately, it’s completely unfounded. There may be some mild discomfort when your braces are first put on as your teeth learn to adjust to the appliance, but this is only temporary. You may also experience some slight soreness or irritation following adjustment appointments, but again, this will resolve on its own after a short period of time. Don’t let this particular myth scare you! Your braces will not cause you any long-term pain or discomfort.
Braces only work for teens
If the first thing you think of when you hear the term “orthodontics” is a teen in a full set of metal braces, you’re not alone. This is one stereotype that’s had some serious staying power in pop culture! Because of this, many people are surprised to learn that orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. While some issues are easier to treat in younger patients, there is no age limit on achieving a straighter smile, better oral health, and improved self-confidence!
Braces will severely limit what you can eat
It’s true that food restrictions are part of having braces, and this can be one of the biggest learning curves patients face. To protect your braces and your teeth, you’ll need to avoid anything that’s crunchy or sticky throughout the treatment process. That includes some raw veggies like apples and carrots, popcorn, and candy that has caramel, nuts, or other chewy bits.. Just remember, though, that there are still plenty of delicious foods you can enjoy and perhaps more importantly, this is only temporary! Food restrictions are a mild inconvenience that will be more than worth it once your braces come off and your beautiful new smile is revealed.
Braces will inhibit your ability to play certain instruments
If you or your child play instruments that involve your mouth, you might be worried that braces will affect your ability to make beautiful music. Fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth! While there may be a small period of adjustment in the beginning, you shouldn’t have to miss out on any practices or performances because you’re an orthodontic patient.
The degree of adjustment required tends to depend on the type of instrument. Generally speaking, brass instruments require more changes since players press their lips directly into the mouthpiece. Woodwind instruments use more indirect contact with the mouthpiece, so they may be slightly easier to adjust to. As a musician himself, Dr. Fagala will be happy to give you tips that are specific to your particular instrument and situation!
The metal in your braces will set off metal detectors
Patients who travel mention this to us quite frequently. Airport security is stressful enough without worrying that your smile is going to set off all the metal detectors! The good news is, the high-quality metals we use to create brackets and wires aren’t made of the same materials a detector is looking for. You can rest assured that the next time you’re traveling where metal detectors are present, no one will even notice your braces unless you show them your beautiful smile.
The wires on your braces will require frequent changes
Regular follow-up visits are an important part of the treatment process. Some patients are concerned that the wire will need to be changed out at every appointment, causing some pain or soreness. While your wires will be replaced occasionally during treatment, this won’t happen at every appointment. Most of these visits will consist of Dr. Fagala checking your teeth for movement, making minor adjustments, and ensuring everything is progressing the way it should be.
Braces straighten your teeth forever
This one may be more wishful thinking than myth! Braces are an excellent solution for straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, but like most good things, that won’t last forever. Our teeth aren’t fond of being moved from their original positions, which is why it takes an enormous amount of pressure from braces or aligners to shift them. That level of support can’t be maintained indefinitely, however.
Once your braces are removed, we need to give your mouth time to grow the support that will keep the teeth in their new places. That means applying more pressure with a customized retainer! The retainer applies much less pressure than your braces did, but without it, your teeth will begin to drift back to their original positions. This can happen faster than you’d think! In the first year post-treatment, your teeth can start shifting in as little as a few days.
In short: regular retainer use makes sure the newly straightened teeth are where they need to be to allow them to heal fully post-braces, while also allowing your teeth to settle into those new positions permanently.
Braces will take years to straighten your smile
There’s actually no “one size fits all” answer for how long treatment will take, since it’s different for every patient. Your estimated treatment time will depend on the severity of your case, the improvements desired, how your teeth respond to treatment, and more! The average time a patient spends in braces tends to be anywhere from 12-36 months, though this may be shorter or longer for you.
Thankfully, braces will often allow you to see some signs of improvement in a relatively short period of time. Glimpsing even slight improvements in your smile can be exciting, and may even give you an extra boost of encouragement as you settle into the process.
Braces are only useful for straightening teeth
Braces are very good at straightening crooked teeth, but they can also help improve or resolve other oral health issues. Misaligned teeth and jaws can have a knock-on effect, and may result in increased difficulty with everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and caring for your teeth. Orthodontic treatment is able to address and correct many of these issues. In addition to straighter teeth and a more attractive smile, braces also have a number of lesser-known benefits, including improved chewing, digestion, speech, and oral health.
Braces are the only option for straightening your teeth
Braces are an incredibly effective way to correct and straighten your teeth, but they’re not the only way! In addition to traditional metal braces, Saddle Creek Orthodontics is able to offer clear ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners to our Mid-South patients. Each of these options can correct a variety of issues and help you achieve a beautifully aligned smile, but it’s important to remember that what works for one patient may not be a good fit for another. When you schedule your free consultation with Dr. Fagala, he’ll be able to examine your teeth and recommend the option that will work best for your specific needs.
Find your best smile with braces by SCO
Choosing braces is a big decision, and we appreciate your trust in our expert team. Our goal is to provide you with personalized treatment, a rewarding orthodontic experience, and exceptional results! Whether you’re contemplating braces or already have an appointment to place them, we’re here for you. Get in touch to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Fagala or to talk through your concerns with us! Your satisfaction is as important to us as your smile.