5 Myths About Orthodontic Treatment

Have you heard braces are only for teenagers or that orthodontic treatment is painful? Many misconceptions surround orthodontic care that can create unnecessary fears or unrealistic expectations. These common myths prevent many from seeking the orthodontic care they need. Separating fact from fiction is essential for making the right decisions about your dental health and achieving the smile you deserve.

At Lazzara Orthodontics, we understand starting orthodontic treatment is a significant decision. Our team of experienced orthodontists is dedicated to providing accurate information and personalized care to patients throughout Florida. We believe in educating our patients about all aspects of orthodontic treatment so they can feel confident about their smile transformation journey. With our guidance, you can approach orthodontic care with realistic expectations and peace of mind.

Myth #1: Braces Are Only for Children and Teenagers

Braces are not exclusively meant for children and teenagers. However, younger patients are more likely to get orthodontic care than adults. Getting patients orthodontic treatment sooner rather than later is generally preferable, as younger people respond more quickly. But just because braces and clear aligners work faster on teens and kids does not mean adults can’t get them.

If you want to get orthodontic care as an adult, whether for issues you’ve been aware of for years or problems that didn’t arise until recently, that’s great! Prioritizing your dental health is an excellent decision, regardless of age.

Myth #2: Everyone Who Offers Braces or Clear Aligners is an Orthodontist

There are many dental providers who offer braces and clear aligners like Invisalign, but not all of these providers are qualified orthodontists. Instead of settling for your general dentist, who has suggested you align your teeth, working with a specialist who can give you better care is generally worth it.

Your orthodontist spends at least 2-3 years after dental in an orthodontic training program focused exclusively on moving teeth with braces and clear aligners.  If you want to pursue orthodontic treatment for you or your family, you owe it to yourself to seek out an expert!

Myth #3: Orthodontic Treatment is Extremely Painful

While some parts of orthodontic treatment may feel a little uncomfortable, most patients will not have severe pain in response to their braces or clear aligners. Discomfort and mild pain are commonplace during orthodontic care, but they are generally manageable with over-the-counter pain medications and other innovations. For example, dental wax can reduce discomfort from bracket wires on your braces.

Most pain associated with orthodontic care is limited and goes away within a few days, such as when you’re getting your braces adjusted or you’ve just gotten them placed. If you’re concerned about pain, we encourage you to communicate with your orthodontist for support. We’ll have tips and helpful recommendations to make pain management more effective.

Myth #4: You Need Severe Alignment Issues to Get Braces

You might mistakenly believe you need particularly severe alignment problems or dental issues to get braces, but that’s not necessarily true. First, even cases of minor misalignment might have a more significant impact on your dental and overall health than you might think. Second, many patients get braces or other orthodontic treatments for cosmetic reasons.

You can get orthodontic treatment even if you only have minor issues with your appearance, though clear aligners are normally the more popular choice in this category.

Myth #5: You Can’t Play Sports With Braces

Whether you have braces or another form of orthodontic treatment, you can still play sports. While there may be some risks with contact sports, wearing a mouthguard made specifically to fit over your teeth and braces can make a big difference. 

Wearing a mouthguard reduces the chances of an accidental break while playing, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about your orthodontic appliance. Not only are you protecting your braces or clear aligners, but you’re also protecting your natural teeth. If you play sports and don’t need braces, getting a mouth guard is still a good idea.

Contact Lazzara Orthodontics for Expert Orthodontic Care

At Lazzara Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care while dispelling the myths that might be holding you back from achieving your perfect smile. With over 20 years of experience serving the community, our team of board-certified orthodontists combines advanced techniques with compassionate care to deliver results that exceed expectations. We pride ourselves on creating customized treatment plans for patients of all ages, offering options from traditional braces to the latest clear aligner technology.

Ready to discover the truth about orthodontic treatment and start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile? Our friendly team is eager to answer your questions and address any concerns during a comprehensive consultation. We offer flexible scheduling and financing options to make orthodontic care accessible for everyone. Contact Lazzara Orthodontics today at (904) 270-8750 or through our contact form to schedule your appointment.

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