There are several myths floating around about braces. Some people believe braces can give you the ability to pick up radio signals, while others believe braces interfere with romance and even metal detectors at airports.  Before you buy into the myths that are circulating out there, lets us set the record straight.

Myth #1: Once I get my braces off my teeth will be straight forever.

Fact: This is partly true and false. When your braces are removed, you will be given a retainer, if you wear it as instructed your teeth will stay straight. If you choose not to, it is possible that your teeth can shift out of alignment leading to relapse.

Myth #2: I’m too old for braces.

Fact: It is simply not true that you cannot get braces when you become an adult. A beautiful smile can happen at any age i.e even at 30s and 40s.

 Myth #3: My dentist can give me braces.

Fact: You should get your braces only from a Nepal Medical Council licensed orthodontist. Remember that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists and dentists share many similarities, but they actually work in very different ways. Dentists cover a broad range of oral health problems, while orthodontics is a additional 3 years of specialization after graduation within dentistry that focuses on issues such as straightening teeth and correcting improper bite patterns. Specialization is what sets an orthodontist apart from a general dentist.

Myth #4: Orthodontic treatment is only cosmetic

Fact: While many people seek out orthodontic treatment to gain the confidence boost of a straight smile, that’s not the only reason to consider orthodontics. Correcting a bad bite or misaligned jaw can remove pain, help with sleep apnoea and ease pressure on your teeth so they don’t wear down unevenly.

Myth #5: Braces are extremely painful.

Fact: This is sometimes said to scare people. This is not to say that braces aren’t uncomfortable at times. For a first few days, braces can be slightly uncomfortable along with mild pain for younger patients but slowly the pain disappears with time after adjustments in most of the cases.

Myth #6: braces  treatment always demands tooth extraction.

Fact: Orthodontic treatment not necessarily demands tooth extraction. But, sometimes tooth extractions are planned by the doctor if teeth are severely malaligned or forwardly placed leading abnormal facial profile.

Myth #7: Traditional braces are my only option.

Fact: This is false. You have other options as well. Advances in orthodontic technology have improved braces and even rendered them unnoticeable (invisible braces or aligners). Ask your orthodontist about Invisalign and discuss which option fits your situation.

 Myth #8: Braces pick up radio signal.

 Fact: This is impossible.

Myth #9: Braces takes many years for desired results.

Fact: Orthodontic treatment varies from person to person, some people may only have to wear braces for a few months or for some person, less than a year. But, difficult cases do take 1.5 to 2 years in an average.

Myth #10: Having braces means I can no longer eat my favorite foods

Fact: You can still enjoy most of your favorite foods with braces – all it takes is a little extra care and preparation with foods that are hard or crunchy, such as chopping up apples into smaller pieces and removing meat off the bone before eating. Sticky lollies should be avoided though.

Myth #11: I can’t play sports with braces.

Fact: Yes you can, but it is important to remember to wear a mouth guard in contact sports. Mouth guards can ultimately protect your teeth braces from getting damaged and also help prevent jaw fractures.

 Myth #12: I can’t play a musical instrument with braces.

Fact: Yes, you can play an instrument with braces. Depending on the particular instrument, there may be difficulty but after an adjustment period, but it is not impossible to play an instrument with braces.

 Myth #13: Braces will set off metal detectors at airports.

Fact: Because braces are made of light weight materials, they will not set off metal detectors.

 Myth #14: Can I still sing with braces?

Fact: Yes, you can still sing with braces. You definitely will not have to sacrifice your singing career for braces. You may need to adjust the function of your mouth slightly, but it will happen automatically with time. The best thing about braces, is that they give you a fabulous smile. Almost all singers have had some form of work done on their teeth. So it’s very safe and a reasonable step to take in looking and sounding great.

 Myth #15: Can I kiss with braces?

Fact: You’ve heard the age-old, “you’ll get your braces tangled if you kiss.” This is not impossible, but the odds of it happening are very unlikely. Nowadays, braces are sleek and smaller which also makes them much safer.

Remember that orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients of all ages. Treatment can be accomplished with minimal discomfort and in a reasonable time period that can have lasting results. Now that you know the truth about braces, feel comfortable to go and enjoy life.

#Dr.  Jha, Orthodontist specialist, MDS (Kantipur Dental College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre)