Before you get braces people will probably tell you about a lot of do’s and don’ts but here are a few misconceptions to help you understand the truth.
Getting braces has now become almost an essential part of growing up and something just as normal as puberty itself.
For someone who is about to get braces, they may be nervous about what is really going to happen once they have those brackets and wires on their teeth and what they can and can’t do with braces on.
You may have a sister or cousin who tells you about what you can and can’t eat or your best friend who tells you how much this or that hurts.
But just like anything in life, there are also some misconceptions about having braces and what they entail.
Here are four of those common misconceptions, and after realizing what’s really going to happen it will relieve some of the anxiety of getting your braces.
1. You will have to have them on for a long time
Some may hesitate to get braces on out of fear that they will spend many, many years with these apparatuses on their teeth and it will be too long before they see their natural smile and teeth again.
But this isn’t necessarily true at all. Every mouth and everyone’s smile is different, but most cases nowadays only take about six months to a year to straighten out, with two years typically being the longest.
When you initially have a consultation with your orthodontist they will let you know for sure the estimated time frame, but don’t let the fear of longevity keep you from getting braces.
2. Braces are only for the young
It may seem that the only people you see walking around with braces are young kids and teenagers, but don’t let that discourage you from getting braces if you need them even if you aren’t in that age range.
Braces are for everyone who needs them, at any age.
If you have been feeling you need something to help you get a straighter smile or your dentist recommended you have a consultation with an orthodontist to see about getting braces just go ahead and do it and don’t let age be a factor. Your straight teeth will thank you someday.
3. You don’t have to go to the dentist while you have braces
While it’s true that your orthodontist will primarily take over the care of your teeth, it’s still important to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year while you have braces.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Family Dental Health Center while you have braces to check for things like cavities.
4. Braces will hurt
Now when you first get braces on it may take some time to get used to them and allow your mouth to adjust to them, but your teeth and mouth should not hurt for an extended period of time.
When you get your wires tightened your teeth may be a bit more sensitive and your mouth a little sore for a couple hours or maybe a day or two but that should really be it.
If the pain is something that is preventing you from getting braces do not worry too much about it and understand that most of the time it is quite painless.