While metal braces have been around for decades, various rumors about them still exist. These claims often distort and obscure the orthodontic device, making it seem like something it’s not. All that said, you shouldn’t trust such myths about braces; they’re ultimately false and misleading. You’re better off letting dentists (or orthodontists) explain how orthodontic procedures work. For more details on these matters, here’s a summary of four braces-related myths you shouldn’t believe.
Myth 1: Braces Eventually Rust
Being made of metal, many people say that braces must rust over time. The devices would surely form a brittle coating as they get covered in the mouth’s moist air, right?
As it turns out, modern braces don’t actually rust at all. The metals they’re made of are stainless steel and titanium – non-corrosive materials that don’t become oxidized from water. Given this makeup, braces won’t break down with time; they’ll remain intact whether you have them for a few months or a few years.
Myth 2: Braces Have an Age Limit
It’s often older kids and teens who get braces, so some people think the treatment has an upper age limit. This view holds that brackets and wires simply won’t work for older adults.
Of course, there’s no such thing as an age limit for braces. Any adult – whether youngish or on the older side – can potentially get (and benefit from) the treatment. (Indeed, statistics show that one out of every five users of metal braces is an adult.) Whether you qualify has less to do with your years and more to do with your oral health.
Myth 3: Braces Straighten Teeth for Good
Another common idea holds that braces straighten your teeth permanently. In other words, your teeth will stay aligned on their own once you have your appliance removed.
The truth is actually the opposite, sadly; braces’ effects are temporary without further help. Straightened teeth can easily go back to being crooked if you leave them alone. To preserve the results of braces, a patient must wear a retainer once they’ve finished their treatment.
Myth 4: Braces are Extremely Painful
Since braces shift your teeth, you could easily assume they’re painful to use. It’s unnatural for pearly whites to move around; how could that not hurt?
In truth, braces only feel a little uncomfortable at first. You can easily adjust to how the brackets and wires move your teeth after a week or so. By that point, you’ll be used to them and won’t sense their presence. Your smile will go through treatment pain-free!
If you want, you can discover the other myths about braces. Just consult your dental provider – they’ll gladly share the details with you!
About the Practice
Dalton Hunt Dentistry is based in Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Hunt and Helms, our practice always strives to provide personalized dental care for all ages. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, with results tailored to your specific smile. Our office is also a certified provider of traditional metal braces and clear orthodontic aligners. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (919)-787-8243.