There are many false rumors surrounding braces and their use, as many people are yet to understand the whole concept behind them entirely. If having malocclusion, crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, braces are the best shot one has to have their perfect smile back.
A patient who might be receiving braces for the first time might get a little bit nervous, due to the numerous myths concerning them; however, many of these are baseless allegations which do not have any scientific backing. For that reason, here are the top five myths and misconceptions concerning braces debunked.
1) All braces are metallic.
If this article was written many decades ago, this myth would probably be right. However, with numerous advancements in the medical field, more so dentistry, there are many different types of braces made to suit various people’s needs.
Metallic braces, which are often referred to as ‘traditional braces,’ are still in use as they work well for certain patients. They are made up of two components; brackets and the archwire. Brackets are used to apply pressure as they are bonded on individual teeth while the archwire is used to connect them.
This mechanism has been improved over time to create other types of braces. They include;
· Ceramic braces
Ever since their invention, these braces have become a better alternative to the metallic ones as the brackets are made in the same color as the patient’s teeth. This makes them virtually invisible, as they become hard to notice once they blend in with the teeth. Such braces are as effective as the traditional ones, only with added advantages.
· Lingual braces
Lingual braces are just like the metallic braces as well. The only significant difference is that the brackets are placed on the lingual parts of the teeth (at the back of the teeth). This means they are also hard to notice when one puts them on. When having ceramic braces, one might not easily notice them, but someone standing close to you will see. However, for the lingual ones, even hawk-eyed people will hardly see them.
· Self-ligating braces
While still using the concept of brackets and archwires, self-ligating braces have a more advanced concept. Clips are used to hold the wires in place, instead of using rubber bands. These braces are more advantageous compared to other types as they significantly less painful, keep fewer amounts of foods, and will eventually reduce the frequency to visit the dentist.
· Clear braces
These braces are clear, and it will be tough for anyone to notice them. Invisalign is one of the most common brands for clear braces, having gained popularity for those people who wish to treat malocclusion without others seeing. Furthermore, unlike other types of braces, a patient can take them off at any time. Not all dentists are qualified to offer Invisalign. However, you can get affordable dental in three locations, to have your well-aligned teeth back, without anyone else noticing.
2) You can feel teeth shifting when having braces.
Braces are very effective in helping to shift the position of teeth to a more desirable one. They work by exacting pressure on the teeth, making them move either inward or outwards. This is a gradual process, and the patient will not feel their teeth moving at any point.
3) Braces are only meant for kids and teens.
Due to a couple of reasons, many times, teeth are noticed to be out of place is when a person is still young. Many misalignment issues, which are caused by natural phenomena such as crowding, are detected when the teeth begin to nurture. This is probably one of the main reasons many of the patients seeking braces are young.
However, many other factors can make one get braces, such as accidents, etc. Furthermore, some people never got crooked or crowded teeth treated when they were young and would like to do so when they have aged.
This means that both the young and the old alike can get effective dental care by using braces.
4) Braces can set off metal detectors.
This is hands-off, one of the biggest concerns many people intending on getting braces have – having metal detectors at airports and malls going off when wearing them. This should not worry you, though, as the material used in making braces is not the one that can set off those alarms. So you will be safe. The only time the security personnel can notice the metals is only when you flash them with your brilliant smile.
5) Braces are to be put on for many years.
The amount of time spent on any medication solely depends on the severity of the condition. The same applies to braces. Some patients might have to wear them for only six months, while the ones with severe issues might have to put them on for up to three years. Very few cases will require anyone to have the braces on for a more extended period.
Conclusion
Getting braces for the first time can appear daunting at first. However, with these prevalent myths debunked, one will be ready to receive them without fear. There are affordable dental in three locations where one can get their teeth fixed, regaining their perfect smiles.
