You knew it had to happen sooner or later. Somebody in your life has mentioned braces, or you’ve taken a look in the mirror and made that decision for yourself. However you came to it, the facts remain the same – it looks like braces might be in your future.
But fear not! Here at Johnson Orthodontics, we’ve got the scoop on 10 braces myths you need to know. And the truth is, things aren’t so bad after all!
Read on to find out more.
Myth #1 – Ouch! They’re gonna hurt!
While this may have been true at one time, modern-day braces are much more comfortable, offering more flexible, lightweight, and durable materials!
While initial discomfort upon beginning your course of treatment is undoubtedly a thing, you’ll adjust quickly. Today’s modern techniques and equipment are nothing like they used to be. Dr. Johnson will be more than happy to discuss the ins and outs of braces comfort with you during your free consultation.
Myth #2 – Yuck! Braces look bad!
Even though braces are intended to give us a great-looking smile when it’s all over and done with, one common concern our clients have raised is they worry about how they’ll look during treatment.
Well, like with Myth #1 up there, you’re in luck! Braces have really evolved, and nowadays, they are less obtrusive than ever. In fact, you’re in luck because here at Johnson Orthodontics, we don’t just offer traditional metal braces.
Whether you call them clear, ceramic, tooth-colored or aesthetic, it all comes down to one thing – less visible braces! They blend right in with your natural smile and are just as effective as metal offerings. In fact, your ceramic braces could work even faster!
Myth #3 – Crud! Braces are hard to maintain
You may have images of constantly coming in for new wires after yet another incident or an hours-long struggle sesh following a particularly juicy pear, but whatever you’re thinking, chances are it boils down to ‘high maintenance.’
But guess what! Besides learning a bit about cleaning, braces are super easy to care for. They’re probably not going to get lost, and the same features that make them less painful and intrusive also make them much easier to deal with day-to-day.
Myth #4 – Oof! Braces are too expensive!
Johnson Orthodontics takes pride in serving the Rehoboth Beach community, and part of that service includes offering free consultations and flexible payment plans.
You’re not a number to us, and neither is your child. We want you to have the best smile possible, and we will work with you to find a financing plan that makes sense for your budget.
Myth # 5 – Hey! I’m too old for braces!
The fact is that dental malocclusion, overbites, jaw issues such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and other orthodontic issues have no expiration date.
While there may be a societal preconception of braces as belonging to the youngsters, that idea is starting to change – more than 25% of all new braces patients are adults, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
Myth # 6 – Yikes! They’ll take forever!
While it’s true that treatment takes time, the typical course for orthodontic treatment, as corrected via traditional braces, is anywhere from 12-36 months. Many patients find themselves at the shorter end of this spectrum.
Not only that, but you’ll start to see results much sooner than that. Typically within the first few months! Now that’s what I call motivation!
Myth #7 – Shucks! I can’t play sports!
For some reason, many people think that if you wear braces, you won’t be able to participate in certain contact sports. Another one we’ve heard is that various musical instruments in the wind family become off-limits once you’ve begun treatment.
Well, happily, these are just pure myths! Sure, you’ll want to take it easy the first couple of weeks after beginning treatment to adjust, but if you wear a mouthguard for certain contact sports (which you should be doing anyway), you’re good to go!
Myth # 8 – Zoinks! I’ll get electrocuted!
Now this one’s just plain funny. However, we understand how the idea could get started. Most braces are metal and when we think metal, we think magnets. And when we think magnets, we think lightning! Magnetism and electricity are demonstrable extensions of the same physical theory, after all!
Fear not, friend. Modern-day braces are composed entirely of metal alloys, with no traceable magnetic particles or attraction. We still wouldn’t recommend any activity that would put your mouth in close contact with an electrical socket, to be fair…
Myth #9 Ugh! I can’t eat sweets!
Wrong again. We don’t advise that you eat gooey caramels while wearing braces, but provided you take the time to learn how to clean your braces properly, you’ll be happily snacking away on all the other sweets!
Myth # 10 Gadzooks! Braces are my only choice!
We’ve given you more than a few reasons not to fear getting braces (nine so far, to be exact!). However, we completely understand if you’re still interested in alternatives.
By the way, did we mention that there are alternatives? Clear, removable Invisalign aligners are available when appropriate. Ask Dr. Johnson, and he’ll work with you, utilizing cutting-edge imaging technology, to determine whether your specific case is treatable with Invisalign.
We’ve counted to 10 – time to get started!
We’ve counted to 10 – time to get started! At Johnson Orthodontics, we’re proud to be your Rehoboth Beach specialists for all your treatment needs.
Dr. Johnson is a member of the prestigious Schulman Group of Orthodontists, a specialist organization with membership by invitation only, that is dedicated to staying abreast of the absolute cutting-edge of orthodontic treatment and best practices. He was invited to join because he is passionate about his practice. Call us today and find out why hundreds of Google reviews sing our praises and Coastal Style magazine has named Dr. Johnson their “Best Orthodontist” for the past 8 years!!
We can’t wait to see you smile!