Myths and Facts

Myth: Seeing the orthodontists is only necessary for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
Fact: Orthodontics and general dental care are not the same. An orthodontist is highly trained to recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

Myth: My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
Fact: An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

Myth: Braces are for kids.
Fact: One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

Myth: If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
Fact: Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

Myth: Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
Fact: It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands.

Myth: Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.
Fact: After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.

Myth: Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
Fact: This is not possible right now.

Myth: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
Fact: Today's braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic.

Myth: Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists.
Fact: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.