Braces: Four Myths

women smiling after wearing braces form our dental office

There is a wealth of accurate, beneficial information available about braces, but there is also a wealth of untrue, damaging information that may deter some. We’re here to dispel some myths you may have heard about orthodontic treatment, specifically braces because the reality is that there’s nothing to be afraid of, intimidated by, or unnatural about it! Here are some common misconceptions about orthodontic treatment that our customers have asked us to address, along with debunking attempts.

Braces Permanently Straighten Your Teeth

Braces can help you fix flaws in your smile, no matter how small or significant, but the procedure can sometimes be complicated. When placed in new locations, teeth occasionally feel compelled to return to their original positions. When the braces are attached, your teeth have nowhere else to go, holding them in place while directing them to their new, appropriate positions. They are now free to move back if offered the chance after removing the braces. It is why most patients are required to wear a retainer upon the completion of their treatment.

Braces Hurt The Whole Time

Wearing braces is not an extremely painful treatment process. It certainly takes some time to adjust to having the framework inside your mouth, but that doesn’t mean it will hurt you daily. At most, you’ll feel discomfort here and there. During the initial stages of treatment, when your mouth is adjusting to the freshly applied pressure, this discomfort typically manifests. You should expect some minor soreness for up to a few hours or days after getting braces, but you can easily handle this by taking ibuprofen as prescribed to treat any pain. Another common issue during the early phases is dry mouth, which irritates the inside of your mouth. Your orthodontist will also give you wax to use on any such wires.

Braces Are Only for Teenagers

Age is irrelevant when receiving orthodontic therapy. Adults can wear braces! Although teenagers frequently receive dental care, many adults also straighten their teeth. Younger toddlers can also receive early treatment before their adult teeth erupt. It allows an orthodontist to monitor their growth and development and catch any issues early before they worsen.

You Can Get Braces From Any Dentist

It’s always best to go through a trained and licensed orthodontist, even though some dentists complete the extra training to identify orthodontic problems and guide patients through treatment. In addition to straightening teeth, orthodontists also direct the growth and development of the jaw and facial musculature. You’ll be confident that you’re in capable hands when all of this knowledge is combined into one specialization. When it comes to completely changing a patient’s smile, orthodontists are experts because they have devoted their lives to this particular area of dentistry. You can contact the Saskatoon Smiles Group if you are looking for dental braces in Saskatoon.

Finding a Dentist in Saskatoon

Although orthodontic therapy does have cosmetic advantages, this is frequently not the primary factor in patients’ decisions to wear braces. Orthodontic braces can straighten and align your teeth, making your bite more useful. The advantages of having straight teeth are numerous. Food, bacteria, and other particles can often be readily trapped between crooked teeth. The accumulation of this debris can frequently result in dental decay when your toothbrush cannot clean these small, enclosed spaces. It will require visits to the dentist, possibly multiple times, and may harm your dental health. Straight teeth are simpler to manage and keep clean. Always ask your dentist in Saskatoon if you have any concerns so they can respond appropriately and help you learn more about orthodontic treatment.