April is for fools and jokes, right? Well all jokes aside, let us help debunk some of the top myths about braces and tell you the facts.

Orthodontic treatment is expensive.

Orthodontists are unique health care providers who carefully customize their patients’ treatment plans and as a result, their fees directly reflect the complexity of each case. From simple cases which take a few months to treat, to very difficult ones which may involve several years of treatment, the benefits of having an expert provide your orthodontic care will be well worth it. At CHT Orthodontics,we offer free consultations and flexible payment plans and Dr. Carrie creates individualized treatment plans for each of our patients to achieve a more healthy and beautiful smile. Trust your smile to a specialist who will safely straighten your teeth and closely monitor your progress to ensure that your bite is the best that it can be.

Braces Are Ugly

Not anymore! Braces are smaller and there are now many more esthetic options including clear and gold braces.  Invisalign treatment is a completely clear aligner option which many older patients prefer as a way to straighten their teeth without having to announce to the whole world that they’re wearing braces.

Braces will make it impossible to play my instrument.

It is possible to play your instrument while wearing braces. There will be an adjustment period, but it is rather quick and easy.  Keep playing away!

I can’t play sports with braces.

Many people believe this myth, but the truth is that as long as you wear a mouthguard, it is perfectly safe to play any sport while wearing braces. You can read more about mouthguards here.

My braces will always hurt.

This is something that people who have had braces will often tell people who haven’t had braces, but the truth is that your braces should only cause some discomfort for the first week or so.  After your routine adjustments, they might be a little uncomfortable for a short period of time, but it really is minimal.

Your braces have to be tight to work.

You might often hear an adjustment to your braces called “tightening” your braces. Your braces do not necessarily have to be “tight” in order to actually move your teeth.

You will need your wire changed at every appointment.

Your appointments are simply to assess your progress and make any changes to your treatment to help it along. If your teeth have not moved as they were expected to move or if you are nearing the end of your treatment, your orthodontist might decide to leave the wire in for another few weeks.

There is a date that I will absolutely get my braces off.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict exactly when you are going to be able to get your braces off at the very beginning of treatment.   You can get a general time period, however. Towards the end of treatment, your orthodontist should know more precisely when your braces will come off.

Braces are only for kids and teens.

Absolutely not!  Almost 20% of our patients are adults, with most choosing Invisalign clear aligners as their treatment of choice.

I don’t have to wear my rubber bands.

Many patients will ignore what the orthodontist said to them and determine for themselves how often they have to wear their rubber bands or elastics. This will delay your treatment. Patient compliance is one of the best ways to make sure you get your braces off in a timely matter.

Braces take a long time.

It is  a common myth that people have to wear braces for a really long time. The average treatment length is only 18-24 months!  Adults are typically in treatment for a shorter period of time, closer to the 12-15 month range.

Well, there you have it—some of the more common misconceptions about orthodontic treatment debunked!

As always, consultations at CHT Orthodontics are completely complimentary. Visit their website at www.chtortho.com or call (630) 323 – 1201 to set up your appointment today.