Braces have been around for ages-literally. The first known braces are a crude set of metal “braces” found on mummies from Ancient Egypt and the first known orthodontic procedures were said to have happened as early as 1000 BC! Since braces have been around for so many years, they come with some baggage, namely myths that have been created to make people worry or dissuade people from getting braces for fear that they may be “struck by lightning”. Yes, that’s a real myth associated with braces. As your Idaho Falls orthodontist, Randall Orthodontics wants to make sure we separate the truth from the lies when it comes to braces, so you know that you have nothing to worry about if your dentist recommends you speak with an orthodontist in about getting braces.
From the most outrageous to “maybe they could be true” myths about braces, this article seeks to debunk these myths, as well as share some fun facts you may not know about braces.
Outdated Myths About Braces
The following myths may have once been true, but with advancements in orthodontic technology and procedures, they are now considered myths:
- They’re uncomfortable. Usually in discussions with people who have had braces when they were younger, you’ll often hear them complain about how uncomfortable and even painful braces could be. This uncomfortable feeling was due in part to old practices and equipment used by orthodontists. Depending on the severity of your case, contemporary technology allows wearing braces and requires less visits to your Idaho Falls orthodontist for adjustments than ever.
- Braces are only metal and bulky. Technology and equipment continues to advance in the realm of orthodontia, meaning that if you want to straighten your teeth you have many more options than ever before. These days braces can be clear plastic, ceramic or you can even straighten your teeth with the use of invisible aligner trays. To get a beautiful smile, you don’t have to have metal and bulky braces anymore.
Myths That Have Never Been True
The following myths may seem silly at first, but they are some of the main reasons that people are so terrified to get braces. It’s time to get rid of these myths once and for all.
- Braces will set off metal detectors. If you are wearing metal braces you don’t have to worry about going through a metal detector. The metal on your teeth (if you have metal braces) is not the same type of metal that will go off when going through airport security.
- Braces will interfere with radio signals. While it would be kind of cool if you could pick up radio signals via the metal in your mouth, this myth is simply not true.
- You will be more likely to be struck by lightning if you’re wearing braces. Nope, not true.
- Braces will rust. Braces are usually made with titanium alloy, or other material that won’t rust. You don’t have to worry about rust happening when you have braces.
- Braces attract fish. This strange myth claims that the shiny objects on your teeth will attract fish because they like shiny objects. This myth is also not true, so feel free to smile at all the fish you want to!
- You can’t play sports with braces. Many orthodontists in Idaho Falls will recommend wearing a mouthguard if you plan on playing sports to keep your teeth and braces safe. However, there is no reason you can’t continue to play any type of sport while wearing braces.
- Say goodbye to your music career. Many people assume that playing an instrument is impossible with brace. While there is a learning curve to playing instruments with braces it’s not impossible.
- You’ll get your braces locked with someone else’s if you kiss. Since braces are much smaller than they used to be the likelihood of this common movie gag happening is not likely.
- Braces will permanently straighten your teeth. Yes and no. This can be true if after your treatment you follow the guidelines of wearing your retainer as instructed by your Orthodontist in Idaho Falls. If you decide to not follow through with wearing your retainer as instructed after braces, there is a possibility that your teeth and/or bite will shift.
Fun Facts About Braces
Even though you won’t be able to transmit radio signals from your braces or attract fish, there are still some true and interesting facts about braces, that you may not know about:
- There are 10 different types of braces. From clear braces, mini braces, porcelain braces, metal braces, ceramic braces, and more, there are braces for everyone! Depending on your specific orthodontic goals, your orthodontist in Idaho Falls may recommend a different set of braces to correct your smile efficiently.
- All orthodontists are dentists. But not all dentists are orthodontists. An Idaho Falls orthodontist will have studied first to become a dentist and then gone through additional schooling in order to specialize in treatment and prevention of malocclusions and other types of teeth irregularities. Only 6% of dentists are orthodontists.
- Braces can do more than just straighten teeth. Though braces are known for their cosmetically appealing functions, they do so much more than that. Braces can correct your bite and fix health issues such as, breathing issues, difficulty chewing and/or swallowing and problems with speech.
- NASA created the wire used in braces. NASA developed metal alloy known as nickel titanium to make braces less expensive ( at the time, 1959, braces were made from gold). This heat-resistant metal that was originally designed for NASA’s space shuttles, was flexible enough to make thin wires that could keep their shape after being bent, molded, and attached to a person’s teeth.
- Braces are for everyone. Despite popular belief, braces are not just for teenagers. Studies show that one in five orthodontic patients are adults. Similarly, the sooner someone is fitted for braces the better, as braces can take longer to correct the issue in older people. Many Idaho Falls orthodontists will recommend getting a consultation around the age of seven. At this age, most permanent teeth of come in and your orthodontist will be able to see if there are any signs of potential problems in the future.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Randall Orthodontics, contact us today.
