Getting braces for the first time can be scary, especially with all of the frightening myths about what can happen when you have them. Even if you think you know a lot about braces, you might still be in the dark about one of these 20 myths. So, let’s get educated and learn about these 20 braces myths.
1. Braces will set off the metal detector.
As TSA agents say, “That’s not the kind of metal we’re looking for.” You can go through any metal detector and it’s very unlikely that braces will set off the detector.
2. Your braces will rust.
Metal and water means rust, right? Yes, but this isn’t the kind of metal that’s used to make your braces. Made with titanium alloy, your braces are not going to rust, whether you wear them for six months or three years.
3. Braces interfere with radio signals.
The type of metal used to make your braces might look like what your radio’s antenna is made out of, but your braces are not going to conduct radio signals (though, to be honest, it would be kind of cool if they did).
4. Braces will make it impossible to play my instrument.
It is possible to play your instrument while wearing braces. Although there will be an adjustment period, you’ll be perfectly fine in no time.
5. If I kiss someone wearing braces, my braces could get locked with theirs.
This is a common gag on television shows for people wearing braces, but the truth is that this is pretty much impossible. Today’s braces are sleek and smaller. It’s very unlikely they’ll get caught with anyone else’s.
6. I can’t play sports with braces.
Many people believe this myth, but the truth is that as long as you wear a mouth guard, it’s perfectly safe to play any sport while wearing braces.
7. Braces permanently straighten my teeth.
Braces are one of the most effective ways to straighten your teeth, but your teeth will start to shift back to the original position if you don’t wear your retainer as recommended.
8. Braces attract the attention of fish.
Some people think that they can’t go scuba diving or swimming in the ocean because their braces will attract the attention of fish that are naturally drawn to shiny objects. We don’t know how this rumor got started, but it’s not true.
9. Braces can interfere with electronic devices.
Like radio signals, your braces aren’t going to conduct any of the signals given off by electronic devices. From smartphones to televisions to computers, you have nothing to worry about!
10. Braces make it more likely that you will get struck by lightning.
This is a braces myth that’s circulated just to scare people who have braces, but it is completely false. You’re not more likely to be struck by lightning if you have braces.
11. My braces will always hurt.
This is something that people who had braces tell people who haven’t had braces, but the truth is that your braces should not hurt. They might be a little uncomfortable, but they should not be so uncomfortable that you really notice them.
12. Your braces have to be tight to work.
You may often have an adjustment to your braces called “tightening” your braces. Your braces don’t necessarily have to be “tight” in order to actually move your teeth.
13. You will need your wire changed at every appointment.
Your appointments are simply to assess your progress and make any changes to your treatment to help it along. If your teeth haven’t moved as they were expected, or you’re nearing the end of your treatment, your orthodontist might decide to leave the wire on for another few weeks.
14. My wisdom teeth will mess up my teeth.
If you’ve had braces or have braces right now, you might be worried about your wisdom teeth coming in. Your orthodontist will tell you whether or not you have room for those extra teeth.
15. There is a date that I will absolutely get my braces off.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict exactly when you are going to be able to get your braces off. You can get a general time period though.
16. Braces are only for kids and teens.
While it’s true that someone who needs braces will usually get them during their teen years, braces are a good option for adults too.
17. My dentist can give me braces.
You should only get braces from a trained orthodontist. While dentists and orthodontists do some of the same training, orthodontists specialize in treatments like braces and know how to get your teeth as straight as possible.
18. I don’t have to wear my rubber bands.
Many patients ignore what orthodontists say about how often they should wear rubber bands. Instead, they decide for themselves, which will actually delay your treatment.
19. Braces take a long time.
It’s a common myth that people have to wear braces for a really long time. The average treatment length is only 18 months!
20. My overbite is really bad.
Most people have an overbite, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can actually prevent your teeth from wearing down as quickly.
Now that you know these 20 myths associated with braces, they probably seem a lot less scary. So, stop worrying about what could go wrong with your braces, and get excited for the perfect smile they are going to create.
Source: OrthodonticsLimited.com
