There’s still a lot of confusion about what orthodontists do. Here are the most common myths that we have debunked so you can feel comfortable about getting the orthodontic treatment you need.
MYTH: You only need an orthodontist for the most complex orthodontic cases.
FACT: These specialists have been educated and trained to recognize all kinds of orthodontic problems. They are fully capable of dealing with any orthodontic issue, from simple cases to complex ones..
MYTH: Family dentists can straighten your teeth.
FACT: Orthodontists are dentists who have graduated from dental school but their training and education does not end there. To become an orthodontist, a dentist will need to take an additional 2-3 years training in an accredited orthodontic residency program. They specialize in straightening the teeth as well as aligning the jaws so that they can function optimally. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists only practice orthodontics. They treat over a hundred patients each year using the latest and most effective appliance technologies so that patients get the best results. They are very familiar with all the orthodontic appliance tools and they can determine which option is best for you based on their extensive experience treating various orthodontic issues.
MYTH: Braces are for kids.
FACT: 1 out of 5 orthodontic patients is an adult.
MYTH: People wearing braces will stick to the ceiling if there was a huge overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch.
FACT: Braces are made from non-magnetic materials so this is highly unlikely.
MYTH: Wearing braces can be painful and it will take a long time (about 2 years) to achieve the results you want.
FACT: At the beginning, you may feel some discomfort. However it will go away after the adjustment period. Some people only wear braces for months, not years.
MYTH: You can signals from your braces to the World Wide Web and download songs onto your smartphone or iPod.
FACT: This is a cool idea but the technology has not been developed yet!
MYTH: Braces look ugly and can give you a lot of unnecessary attention.
FACT: There are several kinds of braces you can choose from nowadays. From invisible plastic braces to those that are mounted on the back of the teeth. So if you don’t like your braces to be visible, you have options.
MYTH: Any dentist can be part of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
FACT: Not true at all. Only certified dentists can join this prestigious organization.