Braces: Fact or Fiction

Fiction: Braces are only for kids
Fact: There is no upper age limit for orthodontics providing your teeth, bones and gums are healthy

Fiction: Braces are noticeable and ‘in your face’
Fact: They need not be.  There are a several styles of very discrete braces which are suitable for some circumstances and the conventional metal braces are much neater and very much more acceptable these days.

Fiction: You always need to have teeth extracted before braces
Fact: No this may only be necessary if the teeth are very overcrowded.

Fiction: Orthodontic treatment takes years
Fact: No, 1-2 years is the average treatment time

Fiction: Any dentist can fit braces
Fact: The majority of orthodontic treatment is carried out by those with formal postgraduate orthodontic training.  An orthodontist on the General Dental Council specialist list has undergone between 3 and 5 years specialist training after qualifying as a dentist.

Fiction: Braces make teeth weaker and more mobile
Fact: Quite the opposite.  Successfully treated teeth are more effective at load bearing and are less likely to be ground down.  Provided you take extra care of your teeth while the braces are on, your bite should be healthier after treatment

Fiction: After removal, teeth just move back to their old position again
Fact: Minor tooth movements are normal throughout life, but if you wear retainers as instructed at the end of treatment, your teeth should remain aligned