Did you know that about 4 million people under 18 in the US have braces? Plenty of adults need braces as well, so chances are you know someone that currently has braces!
While the braces may be a good choice for those individuals, it could be hard for you to decide if you need them based on falsities that you might have heard.
For instance, did you know that some people believe braces make your teeth weak? This is simply not true!
Keep reading to learn about some of the other typical fallacies regarding braces to set yourself straight.
Getting Braces Is Just for Cosmetics
Some people think that getting braces is just to get straight teeth that will make your smile look better. Although this is a benefit of having braces, there are other reasons that people may choose to (or need to) get braces.
Orthodontists may recommend braces for individuals that have a bite misalignment, such as an overbite or an underbite. Braces can help these people have an easier time eating, avoid a higher risk of tooth decay, and increase their overall dental health.
Properly aligned teeth, which is what all different types of braces are aiming for, help a person in many ways that are more than just appearance.
Braces Always Hurt
Some misconceptions, like this one, are dangerous because they lead people to believe that braces are “bad.”
People that have never had braces can easily believe that braces may hurt all the time based on how they look. However, today’s varieties of braces are more comfortable than they ever have been before.
Remember that we visit the orthodontist and the dentist when we are dealing with oral health problems and pain, so it’s natural to associate the treatment of those things with pain as well. Braces are not inherently painful, but they are always applying a gentle pushing force to the teeth to get them into the right spots.
Working with a professional, like the best orthodontist in Austin, TX, or the surrounding area, will allow you to get a healthier smile with minimal pain.
You Can’t Eat Foods You Like With Braces
Most people are surprised to learn that you can still basically eat whatever you want when you have braces — you just have to be a little more careful.
However, as long as you’re paying attention to what you’re doing, you shouldn’t face any real problems with braces like you may with other types of teeth-straightening methods.
When choosing between braces vs Invisalign, for example, you have to consider how you eat and drink. You have to take Invisalign and other clear aligners out each time you plan to have food, which can become a hassle. Braces are much less of a fuss here since they stay in your mouth all the time.
Ignore These Untruths About Braces
For many individuals, braces are a great way to get a better smile, help with a misaligned bite, and have better oral health.
A dental professional can help you along the way, so you have no reason to fear braces! If you think they may be right for you, speak with your dentist or orthodontist today.
While you’re here, check out the rest of our content to learn even more about how to stay healthy.
