Myths and Misconceptions About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can have so many benefits. Not only can it give you a picture-perfect smile that you’re proud of, but it can also help keep your teeth healthy and strong as you age. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about orthodontic treatment, and sometimes, they keep patients from seeking care that could benefit them. This post will bust apart those myths and reveal the actual truth about orthodontic care.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is only for kids.

It is true that if you have misaligned teeth, the best time to begin orthodontic treatment is in childhood. Your jaw bone is softer, and your teeth are easier to reposition when you’re young.

However, adults can certainly benefit from orthodontic care, too. It is never too late. If you never received orthodontic care as a child or teen, you can still pursue a straighter smile in adulthood. Adults who had orthodontic care as kids but did not follow up with a retainer often benefit from a “touch up,” too.

Myth: Invisalign only works for people who previously had braces.

Invisalign and other clear aligners work really well for people who previously had braces and need a little touch-up. However, Invisalign is also a great option for many people who are pursuing orthodontic treatment for the first time. These aligners are clear, can be removed when you eat and brush your teeth, and require fewer dental visits than traditional braces.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is painful.

There can be some discomfort involved in orthodontic treatment. Your jaw may be a little sore when you first have braces applied, or when you first put a new set of aligner trays in your mouth. However, the treatment should not be overly painful. The discomfort you experience should be easily controlled with an occasional dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever. And most patients don’t even need that.

Myth: If you have orthodontic care, you need to visit the orthodontist way too often.

Orthodontic care does mean periodic checkups with your orthodontist. But you won’t have to go so frequently that it becomes a major burden. Patients who use Invisalign really only need a checkup every few months when it is time for a new set of trays.

To make things even simpler, some orthodontists have begun doing checkups virtually, when possible. Your orthodontist might just need you to pop on camera and let them look at your smile every few weeks.

Myth: Orthodontic treatments are only for looks.

Straightening your teeth does tend to improve your self-confidence. But orthodontic care is about so much more than looks. When your teeth are straight, they are easier to keep clean. And if you keep your teeth cleaner, you will have a lower risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease as you age.

Don’t under-estimate the benefits of improved self-confidence due to a nicer smile, either. If you feel better about your appearance, you may come off as more confident in job interviews and in social settings, and that can have a profoundly positive impact on your life.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes several years.

Some people with severe dental misalignments do need braces for more than a year. However, the majority of people only need 6 to 12 months of orthodontic care to experience the desired improvements in their smile. Your orthodontist should give you an estimated timeline during your initial consultation, and they tend to be quite accurate. Even Invisalign can give amazing results in less than a year.

Myth: Your teeth will move back into place once the treatment is over.

After you finish your original orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will generally fit you with a retainer. As long as you wear the retainer as recommended, you should not experience a shift in your teeth. Most people only need to wear the retainer at night, so you don’t have to worry about the way it will look.

With these myths cleared up, you should be in a better position to seek orthodontic care from your orthodontist in Las Vegas. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in the Las Vegas area, consider Aloha Orthodontics. We also offer virtual options to make our services more accessible to patients. Contact us soon to schedule your first consultation from the comfort of your own home.