You probably think of braces when you think of straightening your teeth and regaining confidence in your smile. Maybe you think braces are your only teeth straightening option, but this is a common misconception! 

We don’t want myths about braces and orthodontics to hold you back from living your most confident life. We’re here to debunk the top 10 myths about orthodontics, and separate fact from fiction. Let’s dive in:

Myth #1: Braces are the only way to straighten your teeth

The world of orthodontics is always advancing and making improvements to orthodontic treatments, technology, and techniques. While braces are the OG orthodontic treatment, other options, like Invisalign® clear aligners, are just as effective as braces and more convenient for some lifestyles! 

According to US News, the truth about Invisalign is that it is the #1 brand of invisible braces. Invisalign can transform your smile without anyone noticing your treatment, and without disrupting your social or professional life. 

Myth #2: Do braces set off metal detectors?

If you’re a travel bug or concert lover, you’ll be happy to know this myth IS NOT true! Braces won’t set off an alarm and cause problems with concert or airport security for you.  

The truth is that braces are made of a blend of lightweight metals like titanium and stainless steel (and your wires are made of the same material as well, either fully stainless steel or titanium.) So your braces system will not trigger any metal detectors. 

Myth #3: The benefits of orthodontic treatment are only cosmetic

While a beautiful smile is one major benefit of orthodontic treatment, it’s certainly not the only one. In fact, a beautiful, straight smile is the product of correcting underlying bite misalignments. 

The benefits of orthodontic treatment go far beyond orthodontics. Common orthodontic conditions such as crowded/crooked teeth can actually increase your risk of gum disease and cavities.

So yes, you’ll experience an aesthetically stunning smile at the end of your treatment, but will also experience improved bite function, oral hygiene, and more benefits beyond cosmetics. 

Myth #4: Can braces get rusty?

This is another misconception about metal braces! People think of metal and water and automatically assume braces can rust too. But NO, braces cannot get rusty for the same reason that they won’t set off metal detectors. 

The special blend of metals used to manufacture braces was specifically designed not to rust and to be safe for mouths (even sensitive ones). After all, braces will be in your mouth, a wet, acidic environment!  

Myth #5: Treatment takes years!

The average orthodontic treatment length is 12 to 18 months. However, every smile is different and the severity of your orthodontic issue will ultimately determine your treatment length. 

Your treatment may be shorter or longer than the average treatment time; it just depends! One fun fact about orthodontics is that with today’s treatment options and techniques, the orthodontic treatment process is fortunately much quicker than it used to be. 

Myth #6: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive.

Cost is often the #1 concern of whether or not someone wants to start orthodontic treatment, which is completely understandable. That’s why at Morejón + Andrews Orthodontics in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach, we offer flexible financing for braces and Invisalign and accept most insurance plans. 

We offer 0% interest in-house financing with a low down payment and low monthly payments! Ask about our family discount if you have another child or sibling designing their perfect smile too. You could get your dream smile for as low as $500 down, with as low as $200 monthly payments. 

Insurance often covers 50% of our patients’ treatment cost, and payment plans can be extended 6 months past treatment length! Your dream smile is more affordable than you may think.

Myth #7: I’m too old for orthodontic treatment.

A common misconception about braces or Invisalign treatment is that it’s meant for younger patients, like kids and teens. However, this is certainly not the case! That’s like saying adults don’t deserve to do what’s best for them. 

Treatment is beneficial for all ages, from 7 to 99, and according to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients is an adult these days. The age you are when you decide to start living your most confident life is the perfect age to begin treatment. 

Myth #8: Orthodontic treatment is painful.

While it’s true that there is some tenderness associated with orthodontic treatment (particularly during the first few days), this tenderness is manageable with salt water rinses and Tylenol®, and will disappear after the first week or so.  

 After all, applying pressure to your teeth is how tooth movement happens. As your body adjusts to these consistent forces from your braces system or aligners, you’ll experience less discomfort and start seeing the results from all of your hard work.  

Myth #9: Caring for braces is too hard.

We’ll be honest; flossing and brushing with braces can be a bit more time-consuming than brushing or flossing with Invisalign. But it’s not nearly as difficult as you may have been led to believe! 

Our team takes the time to guide you through proper brushing techniques and how to floss with your braces. Like any new habit, it may take some time before you master it (and finding the tool that works for you helps!) 

With Invisalign, you’ll simply remove your aligners to clean your teeth without obstruction.

Myth #10: I’ll have to keep my clear aligners in 24/7!

While it is important that you wear your clear aligners as frequently as instructed – that’s only 20 to 22 hours a day. You’ll wear them to sleep, then throughout the day, but you can remove them as needed to brush, floss and eat. 

If you have a special event, you can temporarily take your clear aligners out if you prefer! You can use the My Invisalign app to track your wearing time, and make up for the time lost during your event! Wearing your clear aligners consistently is how you ensure their effectiveness and create your results in the shortest amount of time. 

Don’t let myths about braces or Invisalign hold you back from designing for your dream smile!

Ready to experience the awesome truth about orthodontic treatment for yourself? Request your complimentary consultation at our orthodontist office in Palm Coast or Ormond Beach!