Common Orthodontic Myths
Long Beach, CA – When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there is so much information, and misinformation, out there. HD Orthodontics works hard to ensure each of our patients and their families are well educated about what we do and why it is important. And sometimes that means taking the time to clear up the myths and misconceptions.
- Your child needs to wait until all the permanent teeth are in before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- A dentist is the same as an orthodontist.
- Orthodontists only treat teenagers.
- Orthodontic treatment costs too much and the benefits aren’t worth it.
- Orthodontic treatment takes too long.
- Retainers can correct tooth movement.
- Wisdom teeth with cause shifting of teeth post-treatment.
This just isn’t true – in fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic visit at the age of seven. This will be well before all of your child’s baby teeth have fallen out, but that is for a good reason. By seeing them at an early age, we can evaluate if there are any issues present with the bite or teeth that may effect how the jaws develop and permanent teeth erupt. By intervening with Phase I treatment, we can work to correct these issues and reduce the severity before they get worse. While not every child will require early interceptive treatment, for those who do, it can make future treatment less complicated and shorter in duration. (Read more here)
While every orthodontist is a dentist, not every dentist is an orthodontist. Our education begins the same, but an orthodontist continues on after dental school to complete two or three years of additional training at an orthodontic residency program. We study the intricacies of oral and facial development and orthodontic theory in order to fully understand how to create a beautifully straight and perfectly functional smile for every patient. We also learn the most up-to-date methods to treat orthodontic problems. Just as you wouldn’t go to your family doctor to have your appendix removed, when it comes to straightening your smile, a board certified orthodontic specialist is the best option. (Read more here)
It’s never too late to straighten your smile, and more adults than ever before are discovering the power of orthodontics. In fact, nearly one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. Today’s orthodontics aren’t what they used to be, so if you’ve been putting treatment off because you don’t like the way braces look, there are aesthetically pleasing options. From Invisalign to clear braces and even lingual braces, ask your orthodontist what option may be right for you. (Read more here)
A straighter smile doesn’t just look prettier, it functions better and can ensure a healthier mouth, too. Straighter teeth are easier to care for, which can prevent decay and gum disease. Additionally, a misaligned bite can lead to problems chewing and speaking, can be the source of jaw pain and headaches, and it can impart uneven pressure when you bite down, causing your teeth to chip and break. Regarding the cost concern, orthodontics can be affordable, as many dental insurances offer treatment coverage and our office offers flexible payment plans that can fit it any budget.
Orthodontic technology continues to improve, and today’s braces are more efficient than ever, offering faster treatment times than ever before. Some patients can see their smiles improve in as little as a year! While every patient is different and the teeth will move at different rates, our patients enjoy faster treatment times thanks to our state-of-the-art treatment modalities and customized treatment plans. There are also options available to accelerate treatment, including Propel and Acceledent, which can cut treatment time up to 50% in some cases. (link to Acceledent and Propel pages)
Retainers are a very important part of orthodontic treatment, as they are used to maintain the alignment and bite correction once braces or Invisalign treatment has been completed. However, many people are under the impression that retainers are the be-all, end-all and can correct teeth that have shifted out of place. While spring retainers can be used in mild relapse cases to make slight adjustments to teeth, retainers are meant to “retain” the teeth and not move them. If your teeth have experienced moderate shifting since your braces have been removed, or if you’ve never had braces and noticed that your teeth have moved over time, it is very likely that you may need a short course of orthodontic treatment to correct the movement that has occurred. We recommend setting up an appointment with an orthodontist to evaluate whether a retainer or active orthodontic treatment would be the best option to correct your teeth.
The wisdom teeth get a bad rap when it comes to orthodontic relapse. Many dentists believe and have relayed to patients over the years that if they don’t remove their wisdom teeth, their teeth will shift post-treatment. As a result, several studies have been done to determine whether the wisdom teeth are in fact at fault for orthodontic relapse. In comparing people that have had wisdom teeth removed with those that have not, studies have shown that the same incidence of relapse occurs in both groups. As someone who had my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager, I can attest to this, as my lower incisors did shift and become crowded years after having my braces removed. So what did these studies show for the reason behind the movement? All patients who experienced movement failed to wear retainers, and some experienced delayed growth of the lower jaw which subsequently caused the lower teeth to be pushed forward against the upper teeth and become crowded. The bottom line: whether you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed or not, if you don’t wear your retainers after finishing treatment, there is a good chance your teeth will move!
If you’ve been avoiding orthodontics because you didn’t see the benefit, thought it was too expensive, or thought you were too old, there is no time like the present to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Your first consultation is complimentary, and together, we can improve your smile and your life.