Popular Myths and Misconceptions About Orthodontic Treatment

Few are the lucky people who don’t have any dental misalignments and don’t need to look for orthodontics in Livonia. The reality is that many of us have from mild to severe dental problems and are looking for options to fix them.

If you are looking for orthodontics near you, keep on reading this blog. We will discuss everything there is to know about orthodontic treatment and debunk many myths about it!

Orthodontic Treatment

Perhaps, when you think of orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to your mind is the metallic brackets and wires; but orthodontic treatment is much more than that. Any dental device designed to align your teeth is considered orthodontic. You will find many types of braces; metallic, ceramic, lingual, removable, and clear braces, such as Invisalign.

Myths and Misconceptions

Many patients visit our dental office in Livonia and are scared of orthodontic treatment because they heard someone saying something about it. Let’s check on the most popular myths and state the truth.

Myth #1 – Orthodontic treatment takes years and years to align teeth.

Fact – On average, the treatment takes about two years to align your teeth. Sure, there is always that case in which the patient passed through elementary school and middle school and still has the braces; however, that is an exception, and you must consider many factors. Did they go to every orthodontic checkup? Did they switch doctors in the middle of the treatment? How severe was the dental problem?

Keep in mind that every patient is different, and others’ experiences are theirs, and not yours.

Myth #2 – Braces are Aesthetic

Fact – Metallic braces are not the only ones available. There are aesthetic braces that work as good as those, such as ceramic braces or Invisalign.

Invisalign consists of a set of plastic aligners that, as its name suggests, are nearly invisible! Nobody will notice you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

You will wear each set for about two weeks until your teeth are aligned.

Myth #3 Adults Can’t Wear Braces

Fact – While it’s more common to wear braces when you are a young teen, adults can align their teeth in any stage of their lives. It’s never too late! Besides, nowadays, there are aesthetics options, as we mentioned above, so it’s easier to make the decision. Wearing Invisalign is as discrete as possible and achieves excellent results.

Myth #4 Braces Only Make You Look Good

Fact – Sure, braces change the way you look for good; however, they correct other issues that affect your oral health. For example, when you have crowded teeth, it is hard to remove dental plaque, which can cause dental cavities and gum disease.

If gum disease is untreated, bacteria can destroy the jawbone and surrounding tissues, and your teeth can shift until they fall out.

Correcting crooked and overlapped teeth can help you to brush correctly and get motivated to keep a good oral care routine.

Myth #5 I Don’t Need an Orthodontist to Straighten My Teeth

Fact – Purchasing a DIY orthodontic kit online can lead to severe damage to your teeth. Moving your teeth without a dental professional can cause gum disease and damaging your smile permanently.

The best way to align your teeth is by visiting a dentist’s office near you for a consultation visit with an orthodontist. They will evaluate you and offer you all the orthodontic treatments available to fix the problem.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our dental clinic. We have a team of professionals that look forward to helping you improve your smile and keep oral disease far away.

The smile you deserve is a phone call away!