5 Orthodontic Myths That Will Surprise You
With three convenient offices in the Greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan area, our dentists offer Invisalign® and want you to know the truth about orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re interested in clear aligners or traditional metal braces, we want to give you all the facts you need to make an informed decision for your smile.
Here are the top 5 myths about orthodontic treatment, and what you need to know to achieve your dream smile.
Myth #1: Adults Can’t Get Orthodontic Treatment
The truth is that you’re never too old to start orthodontic treatment. At Robinson Dental, we don’t care if you’re 7 or 70. Our dentists and their team will do everything in their power to help you start smiling with confidence. We offer both clear aligners and adult braces to help you get started.
Also, keep in mind that you’re not alone. According to the , 1 in 4 orthodontic patients are adults. This further illustrates our point that it’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted!
Myth #2: Metal Braces Are Your Only Option
Our dentists are proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners to teen and adult patients. As the name suggests, Invisalign treatment uses a series of nearly invisible aligners to move your teeth little by little into their final positions.
Similar to traditional metal braces, Invisalign exerts constant but gentle pressure on your teeth. In fact, some of our patients notice a difference in their smiles within a few weeks!
Many of our patients appreciate the ability to discreetly straighten their teeth with Invisalign aligners. In general, most people won’t even realize that you’re wearing your unless they’re standing close. This makes Invisalign treatment perfect for students and business professionals who may feel self-conscious with metal braces.
Myth #3: Orthodontics Only Affect the Appearance of Teeth
Many people seek orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their smiles. However, there are so many benefits to orthodontic treatment that you may not even be aware of. For example, did you know that straightening your teeth can help decrease your risk of tooth decay and gum disease? Likewise, improving the relationship between your upper and lower jaws can help prevent TMJ disorders in the future.
There is such a strong connection between undergoing orthodontic treatment and improving your overall dental health. For this reason, we recommend scheduling an orthodontic consultation as soon as possible if you think you may benefit.
Myth #4: Orthodontic Treatment Lasts Forever
To be clear, you will need to wear an orthodontic retainer for the rest of your life to maintain your beautiful smile results. However, the treatment itself won’t last forever.
During your orthodontic journey, it’s important that you don’t compare yourself to the other people in your life. While it may have taken a co-worker six months to straighten their smile, you may require more time. And that’s okay! Each patient is different.
When you meet with one of our dentists, they’ll be able to provide a general outline of your treatment plan. That way, you’ll be able to determine how long you’ll need braces or aligners.
Related: What Affects Invisalign Treatment Time? →
Myth #5: You Can Straighten Teeth By Yourself
The most dangerous myth is the idea that you can straighten your teeth at home without the supervision of a trained dental professional. While the internet offers plenty of DIY teeth straightening kits, both the and the warn against using them.
Saving money is not worth the risk to your oral health, especially since many kits can cause irreparable damage to your smile.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
We have three locations in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Coopersville, and Wayland, where we offer Invisalign clear aligners. Our dentists are also proud to offer traditional metal braces. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, please call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.