If you’ve been considering braces to straighten your smile, you may feel a little nervous about what to expect. Braces have been around for centuries, but there are still myths about them and how they work. Here at Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing all of our patients with trusted information that’s easy to understand! With that in mind, let’s look at some of the biggest myths about braces and what you can expect from your orthodontic journey with us in High Point and Greensboro!
Braces will hurt
One of the biggest concerns new patients have about braces is that they will hurt. Fortunately, this is a myth! You may experience mild discomfort when you first get your braces since it takes time for your teeth to adjust to them, but this won’t last long. You may also experience some slight soreness or irritation following adjustment appointments. This is normal and will resolve quickly on its own. Ultimately you won’t have any long-term pain or discomfort from your braces.
Braces will take years to work
Treatment times will vary from case to case with any orthodontic treatment. Every smile is unique, and every patient will respond to treatment in their way. Your estimated treatment time will depend on several factors, including the severity of your case, the improvements you want, and how compliant you are.
Most patients will wear braces for anywhere from 12-36 months, but your time in braces may be longer or shorter. Either way, remember that this is only temporary! You won’t be in braces forever, and all your hard work will be worth it once you see your beautiful new smile.
Braces are only helpful for straightening teeth
While traditional braces are great for straightening crooked teeth, they’re not limited to that function. Braces can also help improve or resolve other oral health issues! Misaligned teeth and jaws can have numerous symptoms that may result in increased difficulty with everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and cleaning your teeth. In addition to straighter teeth and a more attractive smile, braces can improve your speech, oral health, and even your digestion!
Braces are for teens
Many people tend to associate orthodontics with the image of a teen with a mouthful of metal braces, but the truth is treatment can be beneficial at almost any age. We’ve seen firsthand that there’s no age limit for achieving a healthier smile! At Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics, we work with children, teens, and adults. While some issues are easier to treat in younger patients, we can move your teeth into more desirable positions at any age, improving your oral health and boosting confidence.
Braces will severely limit what you can eat
Food restrictions are a part of having braces. This is likely one of the most significant learning curves you will face during treatment. To protect your braces and teeth, you’ll need to avoid anything crunchy or sticky throughout your orthodontic journey. That includes some raw veggies like apples and carrots, popcorn, and any candy that comes with caramel, nuts, or other chewy bits. While this can be inconvenient, hang in there and remember that there are still plenty of delicious ortho-friendly foods you can enjoy!
Braces will inhibit your ability to play specific instruments
If you or your child play instruments that involve your mouth, you might be worried that braces will affect your ability to keep making music. Fortunately, this isn’t anything you need to worry about! You may have a short period of adjustment initially, but you shouldn’t have to miss out on any practices or performances just because you have braces.
The degree of adjustment required will depend on the type of instrument. Generally speaking, brass instruments require more adjustment since players press their lips directly into the mouthpiece. Woodwind instruments use more indirect contact with the mouthpiece, making them slightly easier to adjust to.
Braces will keep your teeth straight forever
This may be more wishful thinking than myth! Braces excel at straightening teeth and correcting bites, but the results won’t last forever without a bit of help. Our teeth don’t like moving from their original positions, so it takes an enormous amount of pressure from braces or aligners to shift them. That level of support can’t be maintained indefinitely, however.
Once your braces are removed, we need to give your mouth time to grow the support to keep the teeth in their new places. We do this by applying more pressure with a custom-made retainer. Without it, your teeth will naturally drift back to their original position. This can happen faster than you’d think— in the first year post-treatment, your teeth can start shifting in as little as a few days!
Using your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist will ensure the newly straightened teeth are where they need to be to allow them to heal fully post-braces. It will also allow your teeth to settle into those new positions permanently, giving you long-lasting results you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Braces are the only option for straightening your teeth
Braces are one of our best tools for correcting bad bites, but it’s not the only tool at our disposal! In addition to traditional metal braces, we can offer clear braces and Invisalign clear aligners to our patients in High Point and Greensboro.
These options can correct various issues and help you achieve a beautifully aligned smile. However, it’s important to note that what works for one patient may not be a good fit for another. When you schedule your free consultation with our expert team, Dr. Davis, Dr. Goldberg, or Dr. Seitz will examine your teeth and recommend the option that will work best for your specific needs.
Find your best smile with braces by Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics
Choosing braces is a big decision, and we appreciate the trust you have in our talented team. Our goal is to provide world-class care, a rewarding orthodontic experience, and exceptional results! Whether you’re contemplating braces or already have an appointment to place them, we’re here for you. Get in touch to schedule a FREE consultation in our offices in High Point or Greensboro, or talk about your concerns!