Posted on August 12, 2021
Despite the number of people using Invisalign reaching over 1 million and counting, some myths about family orthodontics still need to be busted. This article will review some of the most common misconceptions and provide accurate information to debunk these myths.
Most people are under the impression that orthodontic treatment is expensive, and they don’t want to get braces because of it. The truth is that the cost of family orthodontics can vary quite a bit depending on the family orthodontist you choose to work with. Many factors affect the price, so you will need to do your research to find out exactly how much you will have to pay for the services offered by an orthodontist near you.
This is a common misconception about family orthodontics, but one that is clearly untrue. Modern orthodontic treatment methods are designed to be effective, and at the same time, gentle on patients, so there should be no pain involved at all. Some people feel some discomfort during the first couple of weeks of the treatment, but this usually isn’t more than mild soreness. It’s recommended to avoid eating hard foods when you have braces because these can cause injury and even breakage, but if you do bite into something solid, you will only have to do minor repairs with elastics. As far as actual pain goes, it shouldn’t be a factor at all.
While braces used to be a social stigma, it’s safe to say that wearing them is no longer an embarrassing experience these days. This is especially true if you have clear braces or Invisalign aligners, which are barely noticeable and can be worn alongside your favorite colors without drawing unwanted attention to yourself. It’s also worth noting that the materials used today for orthodontic appliances aren’t nearly as uncomfortable as they were in the past.
Some patients believe that because they haven’t seen any noticeable results after wearing their appliances for a month or two, the treatment won’t work at all. This is another misconception related to family orthodontics, as most people who go through the process do see positive results in just six months. If it takes you longer than this to see results, it’s best to get in touch with your orthodontist and find out what may be going on.
In some cases, braces need to be worn for at least two years to achieve the best results, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll need to keep them on forever. Occasionally, there are also cases when patients come back a few months after finishing their treatment for a retainer. Although this is rare, it does happen from time to time. The length of orthodontic treatment largely depends on how bad your bite or jaw misalignment originally was. If only minor changes were required, treatment can be much shorter.
In case you’re wondering whether Invisalign is better than braces or vice versa, the truth is that they are both effective options. When it comes to making a decision, it’s best to consider your lifestyle and personal preferences – if you don’t like visible, tight-fitting appliances, and you can reliably wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, then clear aligners might be what you need.
On the other hand, if your treatment requires a lot of adjustment and you don’t believe you will consistently wear aligners, then traditional metal braces might be perfect for your needs. Whatever choice you make, remember that neither option is necessarily “better” than the other – the important thing is to choose an orthodontic specialist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer you your best options.
Orthodontic treatment is not as scary or painful as many people believe it to be. While going through such an experience can feel overwhelming, the results are often worth the effort. And if you’re looking for more information on how family orthodontics can aid in the development of healthier teeth and a stronger jawline, call Johnson Orthodontics today.