Busting Myths About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids

Yes, the younger that you are, the easier that it is to straighten your teeth. Orthodontic treatment is still possible and effective as you get older, though, and at any age although orthodontic treatment for older patients may involve different treatment options and preparatory work. Some studies even suggest that one in five patients who receive orthodontics is an adult.

Orthodontics is not only for really serious problems

Orthodontics in Winnipeg can correct serious teeth alignment issues, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for minor or moderate alignment or spacing issues. A dentist in Winnipeg can propose treatment options to tweak your smile quickly and comfortably even if you’re not looking for or don’t need a complete renovation of your teeth.

Braces are not always painful and don’t always take years to work

Will you feel some discomfort while adjusting to wearing braces and when your teeth begin to move? Yes, there is no denying that. That initial adjustment period is brief, though, and a dentist near you will offer you some advice about how to minimize that discomfort. The good news is that any discomfort that you do feel won’t be constant, but will ease because the process becomes easier and more comfortable with time.

Speaking of time, it’s true that the most complex orthodontic treatment plans can take years to accomplish, but you shouldn’t assume that your situation falls at those extreme ends of the spectrum. Many orthodontic treatment plans can be accomplished in just months — especially if you’ve been attending regular dental checkups at a dentist in Winnipeg and begin undergoing orthodontics in Winnipeg at a well-timed moment. Don’t guess; consult with your dentist about the best moment and opportunity to start having your teeth straightened as soon as you begin wondering if it’s possible for you. (Spoiler alert! It is possible.)

You can not get braces from just any dentist

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dental practice that involves considerations, procedures and technology far beyond the scope of a general dentist’s practice or the expertise of any other specialist. Would you ask a plumber to rewire your house if you could retain a qualified electrician to do the job professionally and efficiently? Or an electrician to replace the roof if there were roofing contractors available and on hand? Of course not. Every orthodontist undergoes the same basic training as every other dentist plus several years of specialized training with a single goal — to help you achieve straighter teeth.

No, braces won’t set off metal detectors

Maybe this isn’t something you’ve thought about, but it is a question that we get sometimes: Will my braces trigger a metal detector? Braces are made from non-magnetic materials that are safe for your body and that do not trigger airport metal detectors.

Orthodontic treatment does not have to be ugly

Traditional braces have a reputation for being unattractive, it’s true, but innovations in dental materials and procedures mean you have options that are much more subtle and discreet than in the past. Today, the brackets that hold braces on your teeth can be made of ceramic material that blends with your teeth. They’re so subtle that they’re sometimes called “clear” braces. Your dentist can even provide lingual braces where the brackets and wires are placed on the reverse side of your teeth where no one can see them. In other cases, invisible and removable orthodontic devices such as Invisalign aligners can be used.

If you’ve been living with crooked or inconsistently spaced teeth, you’ve got options for having them straightened — more options than you might think if you’ve fallen for some of the myths out there. Contact a dentist near you and ask what options are best for you.