Top 7 Orthodontics Myths You Should Know About

Alpharetta, GA – Chances are, if you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’ve heard some things that might have you second guessing yourself. Many of the things you’ve heard may be myths, so Dr. Nima Hajibaik, an Alpharetta orthodontist, tackles some of the most common orthodontic fallacies.

  1. I’m too old for braces.

You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! While it is true that the approach to treating adolescents and adults is often different, orthodontic treatment can begin at any age. In fact, currently one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. And there are more options than ever before for adults who want to straighten their smiles, without drawing attention.

  1. I don’t need to see a certified orthodontic specialist for braces.

While your general dentist may offer tooth-straightening options in his or her office, only a certified orthodontist has the specialized knowledge needed to give you the most beautiful and efficient smile. An orthodontist dedicates himself to years of additional study and experience following dental school and knows the intimate connection between the bones and muscles of the face and how they work with the mouth to provide properly functioning bites, and esthetically pleasing smiles.

  1. Braces treatment is always painful.

While it’s true that braces of old used to involve a decent amount of pain, today’s technology has resulted in braces that are far less irritating. That means you can spend more time enjoying life while you’re wearing your braces.

  1. Braces will interfere with my life.

There are more tooth straightening options than ever before, so there is guaranteed to be one that will fit into your lifestyle. From Invisalign to self-ligating braces, to even lingual braces, there is an option for everyone.

  1. Braces are a permanent and final solution to my bite issues.

Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case. Most patients will need to wear a retainer for at least some period of time following their treatment. And as we age, natural forces go to work in our mouths, and our bites can begin to shift if the retainers are not worn.

  1. The length of treatment is guaranteed.

Unfortunately, we can’t predict how your teeth will respond to treatment. You can never compare the length of your treatment time to anyone else’s because your issue is specific to you, and how your teeth respond to treatment may be totally different than someone else’s. One of the reasons the treatment time could vastly vary is patient compliance. If instructions are not followed properly, the treatment length will not be as estimated and it could be much longer.

  1. I don’t need braces because I’m not vain enough to care if my teeth are straight.

Straight teeth aren’t just prettier, they’re also healthier. Crooked and misaligned teeth can be harder to keep clean, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and other problems down the road. Straightening your teeth today may actually save you in added dental expenses down the road.

If you’re ready to discover the difference orthodontic treatment can make in your life, schedule a consultation with Our Johns Creek Orthodontist Dr. Nima today.