We’ve all heard the braces myths - the ones that the movies love to make fun of and have people signing up for braces in fear. There can be a lot of mystery around braces before you’re sitting in the chair getting sized up by the orthodontist - so how do you drive out the right information for you and leave behind the myths about getting braces?

We’ve compiled this short list of the most common braces myths we hear around the practice:

1. Braces have to hurt your mouth to be working

The most common myth we hear around the practice is that your braces need to hurt to be working. Now there’s no myths about whether braces can be uncomfortable - this is usually true for a few days after braces are fitted. Your Orthodontist might tweak and change the tightness of your braces at a visit, but there is only temporary discomfort. Once the bone supporting the teeth has softened your teeth will settle and shift without much discomfort and you’ll be a step closer to your amazing smile.

2. Kissing with braces will get you stuck

It is impossible to be stuck to another person with your braces. Comedy movies like to play up the idea of braces making it tough to find a partner because braces used to have a much larger profile and be more obvious on your teeth. Modern types of braces are highly unlikely to cause you any difficulties with eating or kissing.

Gif Credit: PopSugar

3. Only metal braces can straighten my teeth

Orthodontics in Sydney has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. While traditional braces and the methods might be the same, the variety of treatments is far superior to when I first started in Orthodontics a long time ago. You now have multiple options for teeth straightening that each have their own benefits and downsides which you will need to discuss with your orthodontist directly.

Youngsters enjoy having colours on their braces and therefore choose metal braces to fit colours and still achieve the best result.

4. Braces are only used for cosmetic reasons

Braces can definitely affect the way you feel about yourself. It’s only a matter of time before your million dollar smile is out and ready for the world to admire. There are however treatments that occur only partially for cosmetic reasons or even no cosmetic factors at all! Bite problems are the most common reason for braces in fact! Most people who get braces put on are actually solving larger issues than a few crooked teeth.

5. Once I get my braces off my teeth are in place forever

Plenty of adults have movement in their teeth after braces are removed - the face never really stops changing! It’s important to take care of your teeth and use your retainers as instructed. In most cases, I fit bonded wire Retainers to the incisors - at the back of the front teeth - that way your teeth will stay in place without a thought. Discuss this option with your orthodontist if you’re worried.

6. Elastics don’t do anything

While Elastics might be a bit finicky to use, they are highly efficient at moving teeth where they are needed. It’s exactly why we use them! Once you get the hang of putting them in after eating, you won’t think they’re so bad and they speed up the treatment time.

7. I can get braces at my family dentist

Too many Dentists dabble in orthodontics without the right qualifications or skill to achieve the best results. It’s preferable to have a Specialist Orthodontist’s opinion, after all you wouldn’t allow your GP to do your heart surgery would you?

Specialist Orthodontists are thoroughly trained by doing a further 3 years full time study after General Dentistry and therefore are the right people in treating the face, jaw and the teeth as a whole rather than just making a couple of front teeth straight.  They also have the experience in predicting future problems that may be difficult and advise you the best time to commence treatment. Sometimes it’s even best to have a second orthodontic opinion before deciding on treatment.

8. I’m too old for braces!

It is never too late to seek orthodontic treatment.  We frequently fit braces to people who are in their mid 40’s,  50’s and 60’s! A lot of our adult customers find it difficult to take the plunge and feel like they may have missed their chance as a teenager to correct their teeth - but it’s not too late. We tailor a treatment plan that suits them 

Have we answered some of your concerns and questions about treatment options? We’d love to hear any further questions you may have, so jump onto our Website and send us your questions on our Website Form or call us on 1300 13 10 13.

If you’re looking forward to your braces day, take a look over the Braces Guide for what to expect below.