Orthodontic treatments have never been more common in America. Indeed, a whopping 4 million children wear braces these days, and the number of adults doing the same is rising faster every day. This burgeoning popularity should come as no surprise though…
After all, who doesn’t want a straight, healthy, gleaming set of pearly whites? Accessing professional orthodontic support is by far the best (if not the only) way to attain it.
Nevertheless, a wide range of confusion, misunderstanding, and misinformation about the practice continues to circulate out there. Myths about orthodontics abound! From how long the treatment takes to the way it feels and everything in between, we hear it all.
That’s why we wanted to write this post. In a bid to help people separate fact from fiction, we decided to take 6 common myths about orthodontic treatment and debunk them once and for all. Keep reading if that sounds like a plan!
1. There’s No Difference Between Dentists and Orthodontists
We hear this one all the time and totally understand the confusion. After all, dentists and orthodontists both wear white coats, ask you to ‘open wide’, and resolve your dental issues! Surely they offer the same services?
Not quite, and here’s why: all orthodontists are dentists, yet only a very small percentage of dentists are orthodontists.
It may help to think about the world of medicine. If you woke up one day feeling awful, you’d probably pay a visit to the family doctor. But if they checked you over and wanted a second opinion, then they’d refer you to a specialist doctor instead.
Orthodontists are specialists in the dental world. To be more specific, we specialize in straightening crooked teeth and solving problems with malocclusion (AKA a ‘bad bite’), among others. Dentists, by comparison, focus on your general oral health.
2. Lexington Orthodontic Treatment’s Only About Aesthetics
Another big misconception about wearing braces is that its value is purely cosmetic. In other words, people only get treated by an orthodontist because they want a straighter and more attractive smile. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Now, don’t get us wrong. Getting braces would indeed correct your crooked teeth and transform your smile. But the impact that would have extends far beyond simple aesthetics.
Orthodontic treatments play a major role in improving peoples’ overall wellbeing. For example, they can alleviate longstanding oral discomfort, facilitate chewing, and counter sleep apnoea. They can also eradicate speech impediments, prevent excessive dental wear, make it easier to clean your teeth, and boost your confidence to boot.
3. Only Children Can Benefit From Braces in Lexington
As we said in the intro, children do make up the majority of people who wear braces. And it’s true that childhood tends to be most conducive to orthodontic treatment. However, that definitely doesn’t mean adults don’t benefit from it!
You’re never too old to see an orthodontist for the first time. Indeed, more adults than ever before are seeing the light, doing exactly that, and experiencing the plethora of positive outcomes we just described. If you’re worried about how you’ll look, then you could opt for transparent aligners (rather than the classic metal variety), such as Invisalign treatment, instead.
4. Teeth Don’t Shift After Treatment
Orthodontic care’s a fantastic remedy for crowding, crooked teeth, and malocclusion. Contrary to popular opinion, though, it doesn’t offer a permanent solution. We wish it wasn’t so, but when the treatment’s complete and the braces come off, your teeth can (and will) start moving back into their original positions.
Unless that is, you wear your retainers! Whether you choose to have a fixed retainer in place or wear clear ones while you sleep, they’re the only way to ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime. Choose not to wear the retainer as prescribed and there’s a good chance you’ll require orthodontic care again in the future.
5. Braces Take Forever to Work (or No Time at All)
Many people who access orthodontic treatment have unrealistic ideas about how long it takes to see results. It goes in both directions too! Some expect instant changes, whereas others are all prepared for a slow, drawn-out process.
In truth, orthodontic care could last anywhere from a few months to a few years. It all depends on your specific circumstances. As you’d imagine, significant issues take longer to resolve versus minor cases (even then, though, you may be pleasantly surprised by how brief the treatment can turn out to be).
It’s hard to offer precise estimates without meeting you in person. As a rough guide, though, you can expect Lexington orthodontic treatment to continue over a series of months. Pressure has to be applied in a slow and incremental manner to allow your teeth to move without causing any damage or undue discomfort.
6. Braces Equal Pain
Last but not least, swathes of people across America expect getting braces to hurt. We’re pleased to report that this isn’t the case!
Now, you may experience some minor discomfort when they’re first applied and/or whenever they’re tightened. For the most part, though, you won’t feel a thing and will soon grow accustomed to them. Remember, orthodontic treatment in Lexington has come on leaps and bounds over the years.
We’ve moved from the headgear of the 1980s to invisible aligners. It’s faster, more effective, and far less uncomfortable. Your teeth move ever-closer to the perfect position without you even noticing!
Remember These Myths About Orthodontic Treatments
Getting braces is commonplace nowadays. Millions of Americans of all ages walk around wearing them and countless more join their ranks every year. Why?
To cultivate a winning set of straight and pearly whites!
However, despite the rising popularity of orthodontic care around the country, a wide array of misconceptions remain about it. We hope this post has shed light on 6 of the most pervasive myths about orthodontic treatments that exist. Keep them in mind and you should, with any luck, feel more confidant and informed about the process.
Are you looking for a reputable Lexington orthodontist? We can help. Click here for our contact information and get in touch today.