So, your parents have told you they’re taking you to get braces. They seem pretty happy, you on the other hand, might not be so excited. You understand that you need to get your teeth straightened; you knew this day was coming. But even still, getting braces can be a scary thought.
It’s likely that you have a million questions. At the top of the list is always the question of what the braces will look like. Will wearing them hurt? Will people laugh? How long will this last?
To ease your mind (and to put a little smile on your face) the doctors at JU School of Orthodontics have collected the top ten myths about braces they have heard over the years. You might be surprised, so read on!
Myth 1: My braces will set off the metal detector at the airport.
Busted: Lucky for you, braces are made of materials that do not interfere with metal detectors, even the ones at the airport. So no, your braces will not make security go wild as they try to figure out what in the world has alarms wailing.
Myth 2: Braces are for little kids
Busted: Nobody is too old for braces. Even grown-ups, some of whom are in their 70s and 80s, are getting braces. In fact, as many as 25% of the people who wear braces are adults.
Myth 3: Braces will increase my chances of being struck by lightning.
Busted: Wrong! People who wear braces have a 1 in 700,000 chance of being struck by lightning. People who don’t have braces have a 1 in 700,000 chance of being struck by lightning. It doesn’t make any difference. Braces are not lightning rods.
Myth 4: Braces will hurt all the time.
Busted: It is absolutely false that braces will hurt all the time. When they are first on you’ll find yourself sore for a few days. When you have them tightened you’ll be a little uncomfortable for awhile. Other than that, you should have no problems with pain.
Myth 5: If two people with braces kiss, they will get stuck together.
Busted: Again, not true. It’s funny (or scary) to imagine two people with their mouths stuck together in a never-ending embrace, but very unlikely to happen. The brackets and wires that are used in today’s braces are so small that it is almost impossible for them to get locked together.
Myth 6: I’ll be wearing braces forever.
Busted: Nope. The amount of time you’ll have to wear your braces depends on several things, including what the problem being corrected is and how well you take care of your teeth. The average person has to wear their braces for 18 to 30 months. That’s a lot less time than forever.
Myth 7: My braces will interfere with radio and Wi-Fi signals.
Busted: C’mon. Who is making this stuff up, anyway? Braces are not made from materials that can possibly turn you into a big antenna that makes your mouth work like a radio.
Myth 8: Braces will make me look dorky.
Busted: Braces do not have to look dorky, especially with all the variations available now. Ceramic braces (also known as invisible braces), braces with colored bands, and even braces that attach to the back of your teeth where nobody can see them are all options.
Myth 9: I won’t be able to play sports with braces in my mouth.
Busted: Unequivocally false. You can absolutely play sports while you are wearing braces. You just need to wear a mouth guard to keep from getting hurt, especially in contact sports. Obviously, a soccer ball to the face would make the braces cut your mouth. Wear the guard and you’ll be fine.
Myth 10: If I have braces I won’t be able play my flute.
Busted: Not true. Playing will feel different and a little awkward at first but that’s short-lived. Once you get used to the braces you’ll be making music just as beautifully as ever.
With those rumors dispelled, hopefully you’re feeling better about getting braces. Ask anyone who wore them and they’ll tell you time and again that straight teeth are absolutely worth the occasional discomfort. If you have more questions, just contact JU School of Orthodontics.
Affordable options, advanced technology and beautiful smiles, that’s the mission of JU School of Orthodontics.