Getting braces is a big decision. This decision can be made more difficult with stories and myths about braces. At Ehrler Orthodontics, we understand the importance of accurate information when it comes to choosing the right type of braces. Trust our expertise and knowledge to provide you with the correct information about various types of braces, empowering you to make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.
Myth No. 1 – Braces have to hurt or feel tight to work
No pain, no gain, right? Well, not exactly. In the old days, when only stiff wires were available, metal braces exerted heavy forces that caused more pain and discomfort for patients. However, with advancements in technology and the use of flexible wires, such as those used in metal braces, the level of discomfort associated with tooth movement has significantly decreased. Now, you can achieve straight teeth with minimal discomfort, thanks to the improved design and materials used in metal braces.
Myth No. 2 – The tighter the better
A common comment I get from patients is, “Make it tighter, doc. I want to get my braces off faster!” You may think that tighter adjustments and heavier forces will move your teeth faster. While a certain level of force is necessary to move teeth, a force level that is too high may start to damage the bone and surrounding tissues and actually delay the tooth movement.
Myth No. 3 – Wires need to be changed every visit
Super-elastic wires of the present day can be bent into all different shapes and still spring back into their nice U-shaped form. These are long acting wires and continue to do their work for a long time. When a wire has done it’s job, you orthodontist will shift to the next set of wires which may be thicker in cross section or more rigid.
Myth No. 4 – Having braces will make my teeth weak
Having braces will make my teeth weak. Not at all. With the help of lingual braces, teeth are gently rearranged in a better position which enhances the esthetics and functional ability of teeth and improves their health, increasing their life. Another bonus with lingual braces is that you’ll be able to watch your teeth transform as the results aren’t hidden behind brackets & wires.
Myth No. 5 – Once I get my braces off, my teeth will stay straight forever
Once your teeth are straight and your bite right, your braces will be taken off. Yet you need to follow specified protocol of wearing retainers for a few years. Sometimes regardless of wearing retainers for prescribed duration, some relapse can be seen in few patients. Most often, this relapse is very mild and can not be noticed. Patients who have noticeable relapse may have to do selective retreatment with braces.
Myth No. 6 – My wisdom teeth will make my teeth crooked again
There is very little evidence to support the fact that wisdom teeth cause crowding. If this was true, then your teeth would never get crowded after your wisdom teeth were extracted. In fact, people who never developed wisdom teeth or who had their wisdom teeth removed may still see their teeth get crooked over time. Teeth just tend to drift forward over time regardless of whether or not you have wisdom teeth.
Myth No. 7 – Any overjet / overbite is bad
A mild overjet and overbite is perfectly normal and in fact essential for optimum functioning of teeth. A beautifully finished braces treatment will have 1- 2 mms of overjet and overbite. People with zero overbite (whose teeth bite together in the front) actually start wearing down their front teeth over time. So a small overbite actually protects the front teeth from wearing down. Of course, a large overbite can be problematic and needs to be treated with braces.
Myth No. 8 – The date that I am supposed to get my braces off is set in stone
When patients are told before treatment that they will be in dental braces for a certain number of years, it is very easy to focus on that date. Usually, an orthodontist can judge from his or her experience what the typical time frame is to finish treatment. However this depends on many factors. Some factors that would slow down treatment include: broken braces, not brushing well, not coming in for regular appointments, and having dense bone. If you want to get your braces off on time, make sure you co-operate by brushing and flossing well, wearing your elastics, and showing up for your regular appointments.
Myth No. 9 – It is easy to transfer or switch orthodontists
Though it may just look like braces and wires to you, every orthodontist, including those specializing in ceramic braces, uses slightly different wires, brackets, and appliances. Sometimes, the wires that one orthodontist uses may not even fit in the braces that another orthodontist uses, especially in the case of ceramic braces. Additionally, each orthodontist has their own unique technique for treating each case. Sorting out the finances can also be challenging when switching orthodontists, as different offices structure their payment plans differently. If you decide to switch orthodontists, it is likely that you will end up paying more money than if you had stayed with one orthodontist. At Ehrler Orthodontics, we value continuity and strive to provide consistent and effective treatment throughout your orthodontic journey.
Myth No. 10 – Braces are for kids only
Today, adults are becoming a larger segment undergoing braces treatment. Although it is best to have braces as a kid, it is never too late to get braces on. With better technology and availability of esthetic / invisible braces, it is relatively easy for an adult to wear braces without any compromises.
Apart from making the teeth look better, braces are used on adults to correct bite problems that affect jaw joints, correct migrated teeth due to loss of teeth or periodontal problems, to prepare sites for implant placement, to correct tilted teeth in long standing extraction spaces to improve the quality of restorations etc.
Myth No. 11 – My family dentist can treat me with braces
Dentistry is specialized. Your family dentist can recommend you to a qualified orthodontist.
If you have questions about braces or if you want a myth debunked contact Ehrler Orthodontics
Ehrler Orthodontics has offices in Fontana, Rialto and Redlands.
Note:
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The information provided in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as medical advice.