The braces are a common yet helpful way to straighten crooked teeth and improve smiles. Many people still feel nervous about getting them because of the myths they have heard over the years. These myths are often shared by their relatives, friends, social media or even parents but most of them are not true at all. This is why it is important for you to know what really happens during orthodontic treatment and how it can help you feel more confident.
Myth 1: The Braces Are Only for School-Going Children or Teenagers
One of the most common myths among all is that the braces are only for school-going children or teenagers. The truth is that people of all ages can take advantage of this treatment. Many adults also choose braces or aligners to improve their smiles and fix bite problems. Nowadays, the modern orthodontic treatments at dental clinics offer less visible options. This makes it easier for the working professionals to opt for this treatment without feeling shy or uncomfortable.
Myth 2: The Braces Are Painful All the Time
It is actually undeniable that when you get braces for the first time, you may feel a slight discomfort. This is totally normal and indicates that your teeth are slowly moving in the right direction. Also, the discomfort you feel will go away in a few days.
People get used to this with time and continue following their everyday routine. Your dentist may give you some tips to manage this like eating easily chewable food and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water for relief.
Myth 3: You Cannot Eat Your Favourite Food With Braces
It is highly advisable to avoid the food that can damage the wires of your braces. Most importantly, you should avoid:
- Sticky sweets
- Very hard nuts
- Crunchy snacks
The thing is that you can still have many of your favourite food items. You can eat soft fruits, cooked vegetables, rice, pasta and dairy products. You just have to make sure that the wires and brackets and protected so the treatment doesn’t take more time.
Myth 4: The Braces Take Many Years to Work
People think that it takes a very long time for the braces to work. In reality, this thing depends on the problem and how serious it is. The treatment may take anywhere between 6 to 12 months if your problem is not so serious.
In contrast, it can take 18 to 24 months if the issue is serious. The process can be completed in the short term if you follow the advice of your dentist and visit regularly for check-ups. Moreover, the modern orthodontic treatments have made the treatment even faster.
Myth 5: The Braces Weaken Your Teeth
The braces do not make your teeth weak instead, they actually help to improve your bite and alignment. This thing helps to align your teeth and to clean them easily. The issues only arise when you do not take care of your oral hygiene properly or as guided during the treatment.
That is why brushing twice a day, flossing carefully and visiting your dentist regularly is very important to keep your teeth healthy. Also, straight teeth are less likely to get cavities or gum problems because they are easier to clean.
Myth 6: The Braces Always Look Ugly
It is true that the braces used to be so big and shiny back in the days but not now. There are many choices like:
- Ceramic braces that match your tooth colour.
- Braces are fixed at the back of the teeth.
- Clear aligners that are almost invisible.
So, you can choose from these options to straighten your teeth without others observing it much. Even traditional metal braces are now smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
Myth 7: The Braces Can Only Improve Looks, Not Health
Well, the braces are not only for improving your smile. They also help in correcting the alignment of your teeth and help them to function properly. That is because when your teeth are well aligned, it becomes easier to chew food.
Also, the strain will be less on the jaw and the teeth will stay in good shape for a longer duration. Moreover, the braces can also improve speech and lower the risk of the dental injuries. This makes the orthodontic treatment important for both appearance and overall dental health.
What Really Happens During the Orthodontic Treatment?
The first thing to do when you start your braces journey is to get a proper dental check-up from your local dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth and:
- They may take some X-rays.
- They may make moulds.
- They may also take some digital scans.
After that, they will prepare a treatment plan for your needs. Also, the braces will start working by giving gentle and constant pressure to move teeth slowly into the correct position. This way, your jawbone and gums also adjust naturally. You will have to visit your dentist regularly without any excuses for adjustments where wires are tightened or new aligners are given. These visits are important to check progress and make small changes. Many people need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in their new place after the braces are removed.
Final Thoughts
The braces treatment is a very safe and effective way to improve both the appearance and health of your teeth. People were made to believe all the myths about braces treatment by their friends, relatives and parents.
At Sai Dental Clinic, we provide personalized orthodontic treatments to our patients. We focus on providing utmost comfort and long-lasting results after treatment. We also use modern equipment to make sure that your braces treatment journey is smooth and stress-free. We work hard to help you get the smile that you have always wanted.
The latest orthodontic treatments are quite comfortable, less noticeable and suitable for people of all age groups. They help to improve your smile, help you chew properly, protect your jaw and keep your teeth healthy for years. It is a great investment to get braces treatment if you want to boost your confidence and take care of your overall oral health.