7 Common Myths About Braces

There are lots of misconceptions and misinformation out there about orthodontic treatment with braces. Unfortunately, it can make some people hesitant to look into treatment, delaying or preventing oral care that makes a huge difference in people’s quality of life. So, we want to help clear up some of the most common myths about braces.

Misconceptions About Braces

1. Braces are just for teens. This isn’t true at all! In some cases, younger kids benefit from treatment with braces for certain conditions. And treatment is for adults, too! The fact is, orthodontics treatment for adults is very common.

2. There’s no alternative to braces. False. Not only are there different types of braces, there are also several types of clear aligners.

3. Braces draw so much attention to themselves. This is one of the more common myths about braces that makes a lot of people hesitate to pursue treatment. If you do get traditional braces, clear brackets make them much less visible if you or your child are concerned about this. Lingual braces that attach to the back of the teeth may be an option too, and then there are “invisible” clear aligners that are suitable for many patients.

4. Braces hurt a lot. There’s often some discomfort or pain when you first get braces on, and there may be some when you get your occasional adjustments, as well. But it’s usually fairly mild and short lived, plus there are plenty of simple and effective ways to manage pain or discomfort from braces.

5. It’s too expensive to get braces. While treatment with braces isn’t exactly cheap, it’s more affordable than many people realize. At Ogden Orthodontics, we’re an in-network provider for most major insurance carriers, and we offer affordable payment plans. Also, some alternatives to traditional braces come with a lower price tag.

6. Kids need all their adult teeth to get braces. As mentioned up in number 1, younger kids sometimes benefit from getting braces. They’re sometimes put on kids as young as 7 years old. With some conditions, early intervention—including while there are still baby teeth—can reduce the extent of orthodontic treatment that will be needed after all the adult teeth come in.

7. Kids can’t play sports if they wear braces. This is another one of those unfortunate myths about braces. Of course kids can play sports with braces; they just need to wear a mouth guard to prevent injuries.