There are people who consider orthodontics as a rather mysterious dental specialty. Some can’t even tell the facts from the myths. So let’s deal with take a look at the more popular—yet often incorrect—information concerning orthodontics:
Myth: The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) accepts members from many different types of dental specialties.
Fact: As the name of the organization explicitly states, the AAO only accepts certified orthodontists. Non-orthodontists cannot become members, even if they are a well-known practice.
Myth: Orthodontists only offer their services after they’re paid in full.
Fact: Many orthodontists prioritize being able to offer their services over being paid in full for their specialized treatments. That’s why many of them provide valuable community service by offering discounted or even free orthodontic services to many low-income patients in their neighborhoods.
Myth: Braces are highly visible devices that can cause embarrassment to anyone who wears them.
Fact: Modern braces are so discreet that they’re virtually invisible to everyone else. They’re often made of clear plastic, and they can be placed on the back side of the teeth so they’re not easily seen. You can wear them with confidence because most people you meet won’t notice them at all.
Myth: Braces can connect to the internet and allow patients to download digital music into their mobile devices.
Fact: That’s not yet possible, and so far no credible scientist is even attempting to accomplish this kind of technology. But who knows what technological advances may be developed in the future?
Myth: Braces are invariably painful.
Fact: It’s true that they can be uncomfortable at first, but most people can get used to them rather quickly. It’s like having to break into a new pair of shoes. After the initial period of discomfort, they feel so much better that you may even forget you’re wearing them.
Myth: You need to wear braces for at least 2 years to have straight teeth.
Fact: This may have been true many decades ago, but it’s no longer accurate today. Some modern orthodontic devices may require only a few months to achieve the desired goal.
Myth: If a giant spaceship appeared overhead, they could abduct people with braces using a super-strong magnet.
Fact: Setting aside the theoretical improbability of spaceships and giant magnets, this is still impossible because modern braces are not made of magnetic materials in the first place.
Myth: Only children should wear braces.
Fact: You only need to see newspaper and magazine pictures of adult celebrities smiling to realize that this isn’t true at all. In fact, 20% of orthodontic patients are actually adults. If you think you’re too old for braces, an orthodontist can tell you that you’re wrong.
Myth: Only the most difficult and complicated orthodontic problems require the specialized training and abilities of an orthodontist.
Fact: Orthodontists are better for any orthodontic issue, regardless of how simple the issue may be. And only an orthodontist will know for sure if the issue is actually serious or not. If it turns out to be so, your orthodontist will succeed when an ordinary dentist without specialized orthodontic training most likely fails.