Whether
you need to correct a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, orthodontic
treatment can be an effective solution for improving your smile.
Unfortunately,
many patients feel uneasy about orthodontic care because they do not
fully understand how braces, expanders, and retainers work.
Help
is available if you are considering braces or another form of
orthodontic treatment. By learning the truth about a few common myths
associated with braces, you will see the benefits of this specific
form of orthodontic
care.
1. Braces
Are Just for Teens
One
of the most common myths about braces is that they are only for
teenagers. While they are effective for teenagers who need to correct
bites and misaligned teeth, braces are options for patients of all
ages.
Braces
are becoming a popular treatment for adults who want to correct their
smile. As a matter of fact, recent reports have shown over a
million adults
in the United States and Canada have braces. If you are an adult
considering braces for a specific issue with your smile, you should
know that you are never too old for orthodontic treatment.
Of
course, note that early orthodontic care can be beneficial. Bones and
teeth start growing and developing early, so children can begin
orthodontic care as early as 7 years of age. Most experts agree that
early intervention could mean less treatment later on in life.
2. Braces
Set Off Metal Detectors
If
you have braces, you may worry that they will set off alarms when you
walk through metal detectors at airports and other public places.
Thankfully, this is another myth that many people believe.
Metal
detectors at airports, malls, arenas, schools, and other public
places are designed to sound alarms if metal is found. However,
detectors will only detect a larger amount of metal.
The
metal used in traditional braces is not only minimal, but it is also
lightweight. This minimal and lightweight amount of metal ensures you
will not set off the alarms while walking through airport security or
other metal detectors.
3. Braces
Stop You From Eating Your Favorite Foods
Many
people feel they will need to live on soft foods and liquids after
they get braces, but that is not actually true. You can still enjoy
most of your favorite foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment as
long as you continue proper oral hygiene.
That
said, you should avoid chewy foods, such as sticky candy and gum, and
crunchy foods that break apart, such as nuts and popcorn. If you
do
consume these foods, make sure to brush your teeth after eating,
using specialized tools to remove food particles and residue from the
braces.
4. Braces
Offer Permanent Results
The
improvement to your smile is permanent, but retention is imperative
to prevent your teeth from shifting after the braces come off.
Your
orthodontist will provide you with a custom-fitted retainer that must
be worn after the braces are removed. As the name suggests, the
retainer retains the new position of the teeth to reduce the risk of
movement.
The
amount of time you need to wear the retainer will depend on a few
factors including your age and the current alignment of your smile.
Younger individuals who are still growing may need to wear their
retainer all day for a few months while adults may only need to wear
their retainer while sleeping.
If
you are considering braces or another treatment for yourself or a
family member, contact Donald E. Snyder Orthodontics for more
information. We can schedule a consultation to determine the best
treatment plan for helping you achieve a brilliant smile.
