Although braces are very popular, there are some misconceptions about them that should be cleared up!
If you want to straighten you or your child’s teeth, then orthodontic treatment like braces is the way to go. Although there are some great alternatives nowadays like invisible aligners, braces are still a great option for everyone.
Sadly, there are some misconceptions oriented around braces that need to be addressed. We don’t want you to be misled by misinformation that you may read online, so below we’re taking a closer look at some twisted truths about braces that you should know about!
1. “Braces Are Only For Kids And Teens”
When a lot of people think about braces, they tend to associate this orthodontic treatment option with young kids and teenagers. Although it’s undoubtedly true that a lot of teenagers do use braces to straighten their teeth prior to adulthood, this is far from always being the case.
Adult orthodontics has blown up in popularity throughout recent years, because people are beginning to realize that it doesn’t actually matter how old you are when it comes to receiving the benefits of orthodontic treatment. A lot of adults are also getting braces because they can more easily afford the treatment later in life.
Whatever the case may be for you, it’s simply important to remember that it’s never too late to get a straighter smile.
2. “Braces Are Really Expensive”
If you’d like to get you or your child’s crooked teeth fixed, it can be a significant investment; however, you shouldn’t avoid getting braces because you’re worried about the costs associated with them.
At JK Orthodontics, we offer comprehensive financing options that get treatment within your personal budget. This means that we can help you establish a payment plan that works best for you, so getting braces doesn’t have to be a serious burden on your wallet!
3. “Braces Are Excruciatingly Painful”
Some people conjure up trigger images of pain when they think of metal wires and brackets being placed inside their mouths, and this type of fear unfortunately sometimes holds people back from straightening their smiles.
The truth is that this outdated stereotype of braces is extremely exaggerated, because you’ll only feel the slightest bits of discomfort as your teeth start to shift at the very beginning of your treatment process and right after tightening appointments.
This type of discomfort is very similar with invisible aligners as well, but every patient quickly gets used to their braces within just a matter of a few days.
4. “Braces Are For People Who Only Care About Cosmetics”
This common misconception couldn’t be further from the truth, because you may still need braces even if your top priority isn’t a straight smile. Although braces can provide patients with beautiful smile aesthetics, there are many oral health improvements associated with orthodontic treatment as well.
If your teeth aren’t lined up correctly, you’ll inevitably have trouble cleaning your teeth and even eating specific foods. It’s also possible for you to inadvertently grind your teeth unevenly, which can cause many oral health difficulties.
Teeth that properly fit together are subsequently much healthier, which is increasingly important as you get older!
5. “Braces Treatment Permanently Keeps Straight Teeth”
We’ve heard a lot of people say things like, I don’t need braces because I had them when I was younger. Well, we hate to break it to those who’ve told themselves this type of excuse, but you could be lying to yourself about your overall oral health.
Braces can get the job done at any age, but post-treatment care is crucial for everyone. A lot of teens will find it difficult to keep wearing their retainer after having braces, and this can eventually cause teeth to shift back toward their original positions.
So, although braces are designed to straighten teeth for each patient’s long-term future, these results aren’t necessarily permanent unless you maintain your smile with proper retainer usage.
6. “Braces Take A Really Long Time To Work”
There are a variety of factors that come into play in terms of a patient’s treatment timeline, so the timeline is always different for everyone. However, the average braces timeline is around 18 months.
You’ll likely start seeing significant changes within the first handful of weeks, which is always encouraging, and it’s important for patients to keep the end goal in mind when it comes to overall treatment efficiency.
The more you wear your rubber bands and take good care of your oral health while wearing braces, the faster you’ll see your final results. And the good news is that we utilize the most state-of-the-art industry equipment and technology for our braces patients, and these recent advancements have significantly improved the functionality and fashion of traditional braces.
So, no matter how long your treatment ultimately takes, you can feel confident while wearing your braces!
Reach Out To The JK Orthodontics Team To Learn More About Braces!
JK Orthodontics has supported thousands of patients via our braces treatment plans, and our team is here to answer all of your questions as you’re planning out your treatment.
Contact us online or call us at 614-766-0330 (Dublin office) or 614-471-6355 (Gahanna office) to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Karpac today!