Wearing braces - facts and myths

Wearing braces - facts and myths

On 11 September 20245 September 2024In Orthodontic treatment, Polish Dentist in the UK

Braces are increasingly being chosen not only by children and teenagers, but also by adults. However, many myths have grown up around the wearing of braces, which scare off the undecided. Is this right? In this article, we separate fact from fiction and show you what orthodontic treatment really looks like.

Wearing braces hurts - FACT

Yes, wearing orthodontic braces hurts. However, most patients experience only minor discomfort, especially at the beginning of treatment or after adjusting the braces. 

There are several causes of pain. Most often, it is the pressure, which on the one hand is responsible for the proper alignment of the teeth, and on the other is the cause of the aforementioned pain. The metal components of the braces, such as brackets and wires, can also rub against the inside of the cheeks, lips and gums, which can cause abrasions and ulcers. Finally, braces alter the bone structure around the teeth to allow them to move. This can cause minor inflammation in the bone, which in turn leads to pain. The patient's age and individual sensitivity are also important. 

And if you want to find out how braces work we recommend our article with a similar title "How braces work".

The image shows a close-up on the smiling face of a person wearing dark spectacle frames and braces on their teeth. The mouth is wide open, showing the teeth glistening with braces. The eyes are intense blue and the hair is light. A dental logo appears at the bottom of the frame.

Braces are only for children and teenagers - MIT

Although orthodontic treatment often starts at a young age, it is for everyone. Interestingly, it is becoming more popular with older patients every year, and the argument that it is embarrassing to walk around with braces on your teeth has long gone.

On the contrary, caring for straight teeth is in fashion regardless of age. On top of this, modern technologies such as transparent trays (e.g. Invisalign) or lingual braces (placed on the inside of the teeth) make treatment less visible and more comfortable for adult patients.

And if you want to find out what you can choose from we recommend our resource "Types of braces in the UK - what to choose".

The photograph shows a dentist in full protection - mask, goggles and apron - performing a dental procedure on a patient lying in a dental chair. The professional equipment and dental instruments arranged around the chair can be seen.

Wearing braces leads to tooth decay and gum disease - MIT

Wearing braces has no effect on gum disease or the appearance of caries. Inadequate oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is primarily responsible for this, which, however, may be hindered by the braces themselves.  

For this reason, patients during treatment orthodontic patients need to take even greater care of the cleanliness of their teeth and the braces themselves. Brush their teeth regularly, floss and use special interdental brushes. This all helps to keep the teeth and gums in good condition throughout the treatment period. Follow-up visits to the dentist also help to prevent problems.

And you can read more about proper hygiene in the text "How to care for your teeth with braces'.

The picture shows a child brushing his teeth. The child has his mouth open and is inserting a toothbrush covered with toothpaste. The photo appears to promote good oral hygiene habits in children.

Wearing braces is the result of childhood neglect - FACT

The most common cause of crooked teeth is milk teeth, or more precisely the fact that they fell out too early. As a consequence, the permanent teeth grew in unevenly and not always in the right place and direction. 

Unfortunately, this is the aftermath of the belief that deciduous teeth do not need to be treated, and it is true that they need to be cared for in the same way as permanent teeth, or even more so. Millipedes are less mineralised and therefore more susceptible to decay, which is very quickly transferred between teeth.

And what are the other causes of orthodontic treatment and whether it can be prevented you will find out in the text "Crooked teeth - causes and how to get rid of an embarrassing smile"

The photograph shows a smiling blonde woman and a man in a dental or orthodontic practice. Both appear to be employees of the clinic and are posing in a friendly manner. The equipment of the practice can be seen, including a treatment chair and a bright kitchen in the background.

Once orthodontic treatment is completed, the effects last forever - MIT

Orthodontic braces help to straighten teeth and correct the bite, but retention must be worn after treatment to maintain the results achieved. 

Teeth tend to come back to their original position, so retention is an essential part of completing the treatment. Most often, the dentist recommends wearing clear trays or fixed wires placed on the inside of the teeth.

In turn, you can read more about this topic in the article "Retention braces in the UK - key information".

The photograph shows a close-up of the face of a young person wearing purple glasses and braces on her teeth. The person is opening her mouth wide and inserting a toothbrush into it, as if she is about to clean the braces. The background shows a blurred, natural outdoor environment, suggesting that the photo was taken outdoors.

Braces mean dietary restrictions - FACT

During orthodontic treatment, it is important to avoid very hard, sticky or sticky foods that can damage the braces. However, most everyday foods will not be a problem. 

There are also ways to prepare favourite foods in a way that will not endanger the camera, for example, cutting hard vegetables into smaller pieces. 

Whether or not you believe in any of the myths mentioned above and you dream of a beautiful, straight and healthy smile, make an appointment. Our orthodontist will answer all your questions, dispel any confusion and select the best treatment for you.