Braces Tips You Absolutely Should Not Listen To

Luckily, we live in a world where doctors have learned a lot about teeth and how to optimize them for a better smile. Unfortunately, there’s also plenty of misinformation out there and some widespread misconceptions about braces. Here are some braces tips you may hear, but that you should absolutely not listen to!

You Should Just Do Braces at Home

The internet offers lots of good information, but we also know there is plenty of muck to sift through. In recent years, some dangerous trends have emerged online urging users to try to make their own braces at home. These “tutorials” instruct teenagers to grab items from around the house, like paper clips, rubber bands, and staples, and to turn these items into makeshift braces. The dangers of this are pretty obvious. If you attempt to make your own braces, you could damage your teeth, get an infection, or even choke on loose pieces.

Another trend that’s gaining momentum is the phenomenon of “mail-order” braces. While tempting due to their touted convenience and low cost, the absence of a licensed orthodontist puts you at risk of causing irreparable damage to your teeth.

You Don’t Really Need to Go to Your Appointments

Again, you simply can’t replace the value of having a trained orthodontist supervising your orthodontic treatment. Your appointments are necessary for you to have your braces adjusted and for you to move on to the next phase of treatment.

Your orthodontist will also be looking to see if your teeth are moving properly and if there are any signs of trouble. Because of this, you will need to see your orthodontist even if you are getting orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.

Brace for Pain

The kids in the schoolyard may try to scare you by telling harrowing tales about how painful it was to get braces, but this just isn’t the case. You shouldn’t expect any serious pain with braces, but there will be some initial discomfort since you need to get used to having braces in your mouth. A day or two after your initial appointment and subsequent checkups, the tenderness should go away.

Since You’re Seeing an Orthodontist, You Don’t Need to See Your Dentist

Yes, orthodontists have gone through dental school, and even have additional training, but you should still see your dentist while you are in orthodontic treatment because your orthodontist is focused on moving your teeth, not cleaning them or filling cavities.

In fact, it will be even more important to see your dentist while you are in orthodontic treatment since both braces and Invisalign make your teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay. But once you’re finished with treatment, your teeth will be far less susceptible to cavities.

You Should Only Get Braces When You’re a Kid

It’s never too late to perfect your smile with orthodontic treatment! There are lots of great options for adults, including Invisalign, ceramic braces, and more. Contact The Smile Store today to learn more about the best options for you and to schedule your free consultation.