Even though having braces has become a rite of passage for adolescents and we see many of our adult coworkers with some sort of orthodontic fixture, we still hear the same old gripes from those who are hesitant to start treatment. These misconceptions stem from ancient appliances Orthodontists used many years ago (i.e. headgear) and no longer exist OR some internal voice telling you to stay away because any dental work sounds torturous. The statements listed below are the most common myths we hear followed by the actual REALITY of what our patients experience is actually like.
You need a referral to get braces. – False. Many of our patients heard about our services through word of mouth from friends, family, and neighbors. If you think you or someone you know would benefit from our services, we invite you to call our office and schedule a complimentary appointment.
Only kids get braces. – SO WRONG. We have many adult AND senior patients that come to our office for braces, retainers, and more recently Invisalign. No matter your age, we can customize an orthodontic treatment plan that fits not only your teeth – but your life. In fact, we currently have several patients in their 70’s. They are rocking the braces and looking forward to the smile they’ve been wanting their whole lives.
Only kids with all of their adult teeth should see an orthodontist. – Not true. Since every mouth is different, we actually recommend having your first consultation between the ages 7-10 years old when adult teeth begin to surface. At that age, we can advise you of any functional orthodontic problem and determine if treatment will be needed as well as the best time for treatment. At this point, we are more concerned that the teeth fit together and function properly and less about crooked teeth.
Braces only straighten teeth. – Invalid statement. In some cases, our patients may need to fix the way they bite because it could potentially cause negative long-term effects on the jaw. It’s very common that a dentist will refer patients to our office for a variety of medical reasons.
You don’t have a say in your treatment. – Not true whatsoever. In fact, we actually encourage anyone seeking Orthodontic treatment to voice their concerns and requests at any point during the course of treatment. If it’s something we can perform, we are more than happy to oblige (unless it’s detrimental to your health). We often get patients that have gaps between their teeth (diastemas) and actually request we don’t close the gap because it’s a part of their personality.
Getting braces is painful. – Incorrect. The initial application of the braces requires little pressure. After the application, there will be a bit of soreness and having new appliances in your mouth will take some getting used to for a few days. Throughout treatment there will be mild, continuous pressure and some adjusting which can cause some discomfort. It’s nothing that a few Tylenol won’t alleviate.
You are less attractive if you wear braces. – People are mistaken. With the advent of Invisalign, we are able to offer a discreet treatment option for adults that are faster, more esthetic, more comfortable, and virtually invisible. No more awful headgear!
Braces are out of reach financially. – Common thought but still NOT true. We are committed to making the very best orthodontic treatment affordable so you never need to compromise between quality and your budget. This is why our initial consultation is free of charge. If you decide to move forward with treatment, we have a number of flexible payment options including interest-free financing and we’ll work with you to maximize any insurance benefits you have. If we find that it is not the right time for you or your child to have braces, any office visits to monitor development are at no cost to you.
Smiling costs nothing but can have huge benefits throughout your life.