If you or your child are having braces for the first time, it's natural to be concerned about how they might impact on your daily life, but you shouldn't believe everything you hear.
Here are some of the most common misconceptions or outright lies about orthodontic treatment that could help to give you peace of mind.
Myth 1: Orthodontics is only for teenagers
Orthodontic treatment is most commonly recommended in adolescence, as by this time the permanent teeth have mostly come through, but the teeth and jaws are still growing and easier to move. However, this doesn't rule out braces for adults.
In fact, there has been a growing trend of adults choosing to straighten their teeth since the development of more convenient and discreet options such as tooth-coloured braces and clear aligners.
Myth 2: Straight teeth are only about appearance
While some people want straighter teeth to improve how they look, orthodontics is not primarily a cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Straighter teeth can also be easier to clean, lowering your risk of oral health problems. Crooked, protruding or misaligned teeth may also affect your ability to eat or speak and may be at greater risk of injury.
Myth 3: Braces always hurt
You should expect some soreness when braces are first fitted and after adjustments, but this should only be temporary. Most of the time, you shouldn't even notice that you're wearing them.
If this discomfort lasts longer than expected, or your braces are painful or causing swelling or bleeding, you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist.
Myth 4: Braces give you a lisp
You might notice that your speech changes when braces are first fitted. This is because it can take your tongue time to adjust to their shape in your mouth, after which you should speak normally again.
An exception to this can be lingual braces. These are braces fitted behind the teeth, where they may be in direct contact with the tongue and may require some speech adjustment.
Myth 5: You can't play sport with braces
Wearing braces shouldn't stop you from doing normal pastimes. There is a risk of braces being damaged during sports by impacts, collisions and falls, just as there always is with teeth, but these risks can be lowered when you or your child wear a mouthguard.
To make sure your mouthguard fits comfortably over your braces, it's recommended to wear a custom-fit mouthguard provided by your dentist, rather than one bought from a store that may be too loose or tight.
Myth 6: Braces set off metal detectors
Finally, no, metal braces don't set off alarms, interfere with electronic equipment or increase your chances of getting struck by lightning, and two people kissing with braces won't get stuck together!
Modern braces are compact and made from light metals that are less noticeable on the teeth than those of the past. Your dentist may also offer alternatives such as ceramic braces or removable aligners, depending on your orthodontic needs.
Find out more about braces in Bracken Ridge
For more information about what's involved in orthodontic treatments or to book a consultation for you or your child, contact our friendly team at Bracken Ridge Dental today. Call us on (07) 3261 2405 or book a consultation online.
By: Bracken Ridge Dental