There are certain myths roaming around when it comes to teeth straightening. These myths may impact an individual’s decision to have orthodontic treatment. From conventional braces to at-home custom teeth treatments, there are misconceptions about how at home teeth straightening treatment works, how painful these dental procedures are, and what to expect.
Let’s hop in to bust some of the most common myths about teeth straightening.
Myth 1: Dental treatments are for teenagers.
Reality: Teeth straightening treatments are for everyone.
You are never too old for orthodontic care. Whether you are 8 or 80, the biological process of moving teeth through bone is the same. However, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children receive their first orthodontic examination by age 7. This initial examination enables orthodontists to detect and treat potential problems before they become more serious. But the most frequent age to start braces treatment is between 10 and 14 years, since most permanent teeth have erupted, and the jaw is still developing, which makes it a perfect time for correction. It should be mentioned that orthodontic treatment is not only for children and teenagers but also for adults, who can use braces to enhance their oral health and smile.
Note: Adults can see slightly delayed tooth movement as a result of mature bone structure, but regular wear and proper maintenance still yield good results.
Myth 2: Straightening Teeth Is Only About Looks
Reality: It can help you improve your digestion and enhance your oral health.
A straighter smile does improve aesthetics, but orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic. Misaligned teeth can lead to a range of oral health issues, including:
- Difficulty in cleaning, leading to plaque buildup
- Increased risk of cavities and gum disease
- Improper bite causing wear on enamel or jaw discomfort
- Speech issues due to teeth position
Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean and maintain, resulting in better long-term dental health. So, while the confidence boost is a great bonus, the core reason to straighten teeth is to ensure a healthier smile for years to come.
Myth 3: At-Home Teeth Straightening Treatments Work the Same for Everyone
Reality: They’re suitable for mild to moderate cases.
Dentistry has evolved and introduced at-home treatments for your dental issues. But they don’t work the same for everyone. One of the at-home treatments is “Aligners”. Aligners are custom-made devices that help you to align your teeth from the comfort of your home. Aligners work best for mild to moderate cases. It is recommended to visit an orthodontist in case of severe cases. To straighten teeth at home, Alignerco is one of the top recommendations, with thousands of satisfied customers. They have a range of affordable aligners that help you align your teeth from the comfort of your home.
Myth 4: Once Straightened, Teeth Stay Perfect Forever
Reality: Retainers are essential to maintain results after orthodontic treatment.
Most people think that if they have finished their braces or aligner treatment, their teeth have achieved the desired position forever. The reality is that “Retainers are crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting back to old positions. Retainers help you maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. If someone omits using retainers, they can face relapse over time.
It is obligatory to wear retainers to have desirable results. Retainers come in different varieties, It is recommended to visit an experienced orthodontist to know which type of retainer works best for your case and how long you have to wear it. Retainers assist in locking the teeth into their new position.
Myth 5: Teeth Straightening Takes Years
Reality: Modern dental treatment can show results in a few months.
Another myth is that all orthodontic treatments take several years to show results. While traditional braces may require 18–24 months for complex cases, advancements in orthodontics have shortened treatment time significantly for many patients.
With modern clear aligners, minor misalignments can often be corrected in 4–6 months. Accelerated treatment options, combined with better diagnostics and technology, can help orthodontists create precise treatment plans for faster, more predictable results.
Of course, each case is unique, and treatment time depends on factors like:
- Severity of misalignment
- Patient compliance
- Bone density and age
- Type of appliance used
But it’s safe to say that teeth straightening today is faster and more convenient than ever before.
Myth 6: Teeth Straightening Is Painful
Reality: Yes, you could perhaps experience some pain and discomfort, but it’s just for a while.
Simply to cite an example, you got the irritation and the pain, but it went away because of the orthodontic procedure. Dental procedures are not supposed to cause pain. You only feel a little discomfort while your jaw isn’t used to the procedure. In a few days, you will be fine with it. The patient probably has a fear of braces and is troubled by the idea that the feeling of discomfort is constant for them. Verily, what is momentarily painful is beneficial to the good of a person. It does not matter how insignificant your ailments are as long as you get the results you desire.
In simple words, there are a few ways to deal with the overwhelming discomfort caused by dental braces, such as:
- Use of non-prescription analgesic drugs like Aspirin, etc.
- Putting on orthodontic wax to alleviate the discomfort of the sharp edges
- Consuming soft foods during the first few days of adjusting to the braces
Wrap up
Orthodontic treatments are there to solve your dental issues. We tried to bust some common myths relating to straightening your teeth. Dentistry has evolved and introduced a bunch of effective treatments to help you solve your dental issues at home. These dental treatments are not only for cosmetics, they have a bunch you advantages as straight teeth help you improve your digestion. It also helps you boost your confidence by straightening teeth.
The most effective way to straighten your teeth at home is by using Aligners. These are available in single arch and dual arch. A single arch can either align the upper or the lower arch, while a dual arch can fix both your tooth arches. This process might feel discomforting, but this is temporary. Stay consistent and achieve desirable results. Hope busting these common misconceptions helps an individual achieve a perfectly radiant smile.