Separating the Myths from the Facts
MYTH: Orthodontists are needed only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FACT: Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists have the specialized expertise to find solutions that work.
MYTH: My family dentist can straighten my teeth.
FACT: Orthodontists have two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school and are specialists at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. They also only practice orthodontics, treating hundreds of patients with state-of-the-art orthodontic s and technology. Dentists most likely see only a handful of teeth-straightening cases a year, if any, amid drilling and filling.
MYTH: Braces are for kids.
FACT: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult. There are many options that fit adult needs in both looks and frequency of necessary follow-up appointments.
MYTH: If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling!
FACT: Lucky for us and all of our patients, braces are made from non-magnetic materials.
MYTH: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic .
FACT: While the cost is different, orthodontists are not doing the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for is that the orthodontist is a highly experienced expert who understands form, function and the many ways to best achieve a wonderful smile.
MYTH: Braces are painful and take several years to achieve the desired result.
FACT: Like breaking in a new pair of shoes, once the adjustment period ends, braces are comfortable. Some may even be worn for months, not years.
MYTH: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
FACT: Today’s braces can be nearly invisible, made from clear ceramics, or even computer generated clear, removable trays (Invisalign).
MYTH: Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists.
FACT: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.
MYTH: Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
FACT: This is not possible—but that sounds pretty cool, actually!
Have other questions about braces? Call us today at 897-1112 and let’s talk!