With over 4 million Americans sporting them, metal braces are one of the most tried-and-true orthodontic treatments on the market. Even so, there’s much more to metal braces than meets the eye. How much do you really know about this solution for straighter teeth? Here are a few of the most popular myths about metal braces.
Myth #1: Metal Braces Will Always Hurt
Braces work by applying pressure to your teeth, which makes them press against the jawbone. This causes the bone tissue to break down and allows the teeth to move into place. Since the teeth are moving at a faster-than-normal rate, it’s common to experience some pain for the first few days after having your braces tightened. After a few days, they might be a bit uncomfortable, but the discomfort shouldn’t be all that noticeable. The brackets may also cause some irritation to the inside of your cheeks, but the tissue will toughen up over time to be less sensitive.
Myth #2: Metal Braces Are for Kids
While many braces wearers get them during childhood or adolescence, braces are a good orthodontic solution for adults, too. Roughly 1 million American adults wear braces, and they’re just as effective on adults as they are on kids and teens. Braces can also do more than just increase the aesthetic appeal of your smile. They can help you breathe, speak and chew properly, make teeth that jut out less susceptible to injury, reduce abnormal tooth wear, balance bite forces, and more!
Myth #3: Metal Braces Take a Long Time to Work
The field of orthodontics is continually evolving and progressing. Material and engineering upgrades make teeth straightening quicker than ever! While braces used to apply a strong force in a short period, they now apply a small amount of force over a longer period which has actually been shown to shift teeth into place faster and with considerably less discomfort. Most patients will need braces for 18-24 months, but patients who are older or have problems that are harder to correct may have to wear them for up to three years. Less severe issues may take as little as 6 months.
With this knowledge about braces and how they work, hopefully they seem less daunting than before. If you’re interested in getting braces, talk to your dentist about achieving the smile of your dreams!
About the Practice
Here at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, we treat every patient like a member of our family by providing high-quality, trustworthy care through use of the latest dental technologies and the most up-to-date techniques. Our talented dentist, Dr. Alison Fitzgerald, provides not only comprehensive general dentistry but also orthodontic care for patients of all ages. We aim to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile and to make your appointment comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. Call their office at (520) 332-6224 or visit their website to learn more about braces and if they’re right for you.