While braces are rather common, a lot of people don’t know much about them. Many misconceptions float around about braces, which could discourage some people from considering them. Here some of the common myths about braces and the reality of wearing them.
Braces Hurt Both On and Off
Putting braces on won’t hurt because of how they’re installed. Instead, the gums and teeth may ache as the braces start to put pressure on the teeth to realign them. That may last for a week after their installation, and that process will be repeated when the braces are adjusted. Conversely, with newer technologies like lighter wires and invisible braces, they may not hurt at all.
In this article, which was published on healthrow.net, they discuss how removing braces may be a noisy process but not a painful one. The tool to remove the braces may cause pressure but it won’t cause pain.
A related myth is that every visit to the dentist will be painful as they replace the wires. In reality, the dentist will be replacing wires or simply checking their positioning during many visits, and neither of these procedures hurt. Nor will the increasingly common cleaning regimes that are recommended to protect the teeth now that it is harder to brush them properly.
Once the Braces Are Off, We’re Done
This isn’t necessarily true. For example, many people are advised to wear a retainer to keep the teeth straight and the bite right. If braces are installed in middle school or early high school, incoming wisdom teeth can shift the teeth the braces corrected, potentially requiring further correction. If your child has badly aligned teeth in middle school, they may end up with braces at ages 8-12 and need a second set around 15 to make sure their teeth stay straight. Teeth can and do shift after injuries, especially if a tooth is pulled.
Braces Are Only for Misaligned Teeth
If there’s a large overbite, braces can be used to treat it, even if the teeth are perfectly aligned otherwise. An underbite can be caused by differing rates of development in the jaw, and this, too, can be treated by braces, often along with a retainer.
Tighter Is Better
Whether talking about the braces themselves or the elastic bands that hold the braces in place, some people think that tighter is better. This is more wishful thinking that if you apply extra pressure, you’ll get the job done sooner.
Yes, some force is necessary to move teeth. However, if you amplify the pressure the dentist has already applied, you risk damaging the bone and surrounding tissue. A related myth is that wearing braces weakens your teeth. No, it won’t, but failure to floss and brush around the braces can cause cavities.
Now that we’ve dispelled those myths, you’ll be able to tell if braces are the way to go. Always make sure that you speak with a reputable orthodontist in your area, so you can explore the options.