La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – October was National Orthodontic Health Month, making this a perfect time to dispel commonly heard orthodontic myths. Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics discusses the top 10 myths he hears on a regular basis.

1. Braces are only cosmetic. This is far from the truth. While braces can give you a beautiful straight smile, that straight smile is important to ensure your oral health. Crooked, crowded and misplaced teeth are harder to keep clean, which means you’re more likely to develop decay or gum disease. A misaligned bite can also damage your teeth because the uneven pressure can lead to chipping, cracking and breaking. Braces, paired with a good oral hygiene routine, can improve the health of your smile.
2. Braces are only for teens. You are never too old to get the smile you’ve always wanted. In fact, the number of adult orthodontic patients continues to increase, with nearly 30% of 2017 orthodontic patients as adults.
3. I don’t have to visit the orthodontist until all my permanent teeth are in. Actually, seven is the recommended age for children to have their first orthodontic consultation. This allows the orthodontist to view the relationship between the jaw and face with the incoming permanent teeth, and determine if there is any cause for concern. Early interceptive treatment can actually help a growing jaw develop properly, and for many children, can make any future orthodontic treatment less extensive and complicated.
4. Braces will hurt. While there is some discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment, braces today are more efficient and effective than ever before, and they are much more comfortable than ever before. Many even use heat-activated archwires that utilize your body’s own heat to move your teeth.
5. If I wear braces, I won’t be able to play sports or a musical instrument. That just isn’t true. Braces wearers may need to take a few more precautions to guard against damage or injury, but you can enjoy all the same activities you did before you had braces. There are even great braces options that don’t include traditional brackets and wires on your teeth. Invisalign is a great option that uses clear, plastic aligners that fit over your teeth, and lingual braces use the standard brackets and wires, but along the tongue side of your teeth.
6. I won’t be able to eat anything with braces. If you opt for metal braces, it is true that you will have to avoid a few things. Anything too hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky could pose a problem to your brackets and wires. But, there are still many things you can enjoy. And, if you opt for Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to make any changes to your diet at all. Simply remove the aligners and enjoy all your favorite foods.
7. I don’t want to spend years in braces. Braces have come a long way. Treatment is faster than ever, thanks to advances in materials used. You can be in and out of braces in no time.
8. Braces cost a fortune. You may be surprised to learn that the cost of braces isn’t all that different from decades ago – in fact, orthodontic treatment is still one of the best deals around. Dental insurance often covers a portion of orthodontic treatment, and most orthodontic offices will work with you to find a payment plan that will fit comfortably into your budget.
9. Anyone can put on braces. While it is true that more dentists are offering orthodontic treatment in their offices, they don’t do this all day, every day. Most dabble in orthodontics, finishing only a handful of cases per year. You only get one smile so most would prefer to trust a certified orthodontist that has the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible treatment. Orthodontists perfect smiles through orthodontic appliances day in and day out, and are well-versed at moving even the most difficult malocclusions.
10. When your braces come off, your orthodontic treatment is finished. While the day your braces are removed is a day to celebrate, that doesn’t mean your work is over. If you want that beautiful new smile to last, you’ll need to wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist.

Braces have come a long way in recent years, and are more efficient, comfortable and affordable than ever. To learn more about how orthodontic treatment can give you the smile of your dreams and improve your oral health, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra office) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills office).