Hello everyone, I am Dr. Shivani Mangal, a root canal specialist practicing in Dwarka, New Delhi. When it comes to having irregular teeth or malala in teeth or what we say crooked teeth, we always visit a braces specialist to get those wires on and have a beautiful smile. However, there are certain myths associated with braces or orthodontic treatment. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Myth #1:Braces Are Only for Children – A Thing of the Past
Braces are meant only for children. This is an outdated concept. In fact, 25 to 30 percent of orthodontic patients today fall in the age group of 18 to 35. Gone are the days when only children were candidates for having braces. Please you too can have braces and a beautiful smile.
Myth #2: Retainers for Lasting Results – Ensuring Your Beautiful Smile
My teeth will stay straight forever after the braces are done. This is absolutely wrong. Once the braces treatment is finished you will be given retainers to wear. Wearing these retainers is equally important as your orthodontic treatment to maintain your beautiful smile permanently.
Myth #3: Comfortable Orthodontic Treatment with Advanced Technologies
Braces are going to be very painful. Not at all. Today, orthodontists use the most advanced technologies, such as self-ligating braces, which are very comfortable and cause the least discomfort to the patients.
Myth #4: Enjoy Your Favorite Foods with Braces – Maintain Oral Hygiene
Once I have braces on, I can no longer have my favorite foods. That’s not the case. In fact, you can very well have all the food items that you love it’s just that you have to pay a little more care in taking maintaining oral hygiene. For example, for hard food items like apples or other fruits, you can cut them into pieces and eat them. Of course, sticky food items should be avoided.
Myth #5: Early Intervention for Improved Braces Treatment Outcomes
There is no need to visit the orthodontist when you have milk teeth and the full permanent teeth have not erupted. While it is true that orthodontic treatment is initiated only once your permanent teeth have completely erupted, when the child is in the age of seven to ten years that is when he or she has both milk as well as permanent teeth it is very important to get a consultation from an orthodontist so that he can evaluate and decide whether an early intervention is needed. At this age, some malfunctioning devices may be needed that will make the braces treatment less complicated in the future.
Myth #6: Beyond Aesthetics – Functional Benefits of Braces Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is only cosmetic which may be the first reason for you to visit your doctor yes you need a beautiful smile and there is nothing wrong with that but then other than braces also take care of the functionality of your teeth. The way you bite the chopping you might be having some jaw pain due to the joint issues some sleep disorders are associated with. when the teeth are not in proper occlusion you might be having a deep bite all these functional issues can be very well taken care of by the basic treatment .
Some patients believe that braces are something that is metallic and so they cannot afford to have those metallic smiles. Nowadays we have certain options for braces there are ceramic braces which are more aesthetic then there are invisible braces also known as liners which are all the more aesthetic and you can very well afford to have them in spite of the fact that they are very much aesthetic no follow-up appointments are needed, some patients have a myth that once the braces are put on their teeth now they are good to go the braces will do their work and they need not go for every monthly follow-up visit that is not the case every month you need to visit once the braces treatment has started the orthodontist will be taking additional measures some elastics would be put some wires would be changed. All these are the steps that would be leading to your beautiful smile the more you skip your appointments the duration is going to increase and the effectiveness is going to decrease so please be regular with your braces appointment.
Lastly, some patients think that braces treatment is very long and will take years to achieve a perfect smile. Not at all. With advanced braces systems, the duration of treatment has been significantly reduced. On average, it takes 12 to 18 months for braces treatment, which can vary based on the complexity of the case. Braces treatment is safe, painless, and provides you with a beautiful smile. It also improves the functionality and longevity of your teeth.
So, what are you waiting for? Please visit us and get your perfect smile. Thank you.
FAQs:-
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment with braces usually take?
A: The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the individual case. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Your orthodontist will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
Q: Are there alternatives to traditional metal braces?
A: Yes, there are alternative options to traditional metal braces, such as ceramic braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. These options are less noticeable and may be more suitable for those concerned about the appearance of braces.
Q: Can braces fix all orthodontic problems?
A: Braces are effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, and misaligned bites. However, some complex cases may require additional treatments or orthodontic appliances.
Q: Will I need to wear retainers after braces?
A: Yes, wearing retainers after braces is an important part of the treatment process. Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back. Your orthodontist will advise you on the recommended duration of retainer wear.
Q: How often should I visit the orthodontist during treatment?
A: Typically, orthodontic appointments are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks. Regular visits allow the orthodontist to monitor your progress, make adjustments to your braces, and address any concerns or issues that may arise.
