Even if you’ve never had braces before, you’ve probably still heard a lot of things about what they’re like. Well, don’t believe everything you hear, because there is some bad information out there. That’s why today we’re going to bust eight of the most common braces myths that our Eden Prairie Orthodontics team hear the most.

  1. Braces Rust
    While braces are often made of metal, they do not rust. The metals in braces are stainless
    steel and titanium, so you don’t have to worry about them rusting in your mouth.
  2. You Can’t Play An Instrument With Braces
    It certainly takes some adjusting to play brass or woodwind instruments with braces, but it’s
    still entirely doable! Don’t feel like you have to choose between proper dental alignment and
    the instrument you love, because you can have both!
  3. You Can’t Play Sports With Braces
    If you play a sport, particularly a contact sport, you may have heard that you won’t be able to
    keep playing while you have braces, but this isn’t the case! As long as you wear a properly fitted
    mouthguard, your mouth will be protected while you play. Veil & Wild Orthodontics holds multiple
    mouthguard clinics throughout the year to ensure proper fit for athletes in our communities. Stop
    in anytime with your mouthguard to get a check of the fit – we’re happy to help!
  4. Braces Are Only For Teens
    It is true that it is easier to get the best possible result with orthodontic treatment as a
    teenager, but there isn’t a time limit for getting braces. Adults of any age can get them too.
  5. My General Dentist Can Give Me Braces
    To become an orthodontist, a dentist must gain years of additional training after completing
    dental school. Your general dentist has not completed this training to understand the best ways
    to safely and effectively correct dental alignment problems.
  6. Rubber Bands Aren’t Important
    Failing to wear rubber bands as instructed by the orthodontist is one of the biggest causes
    for prolonged orthodontic treatment. Wear your rubber bands!
  7. Double Rubber Bands Equal Double The Movement
    While some patients forget their rubber bands or don’t want to bother with them because they
    are uncomfortable, other patients think they can reduce their treatment time by wearing even
    more rubber bands than recommended. Do not do this! Too many rubber bands will cause unnecessary
    discomfort and they won’t move your teeth the way they are meant to move. You will probably end
    up needing to wear your braces longer than planned as a result. Stick to the instructions.
  8. Your Teeth Will Be Straight Forever After Braces
    The periodontal ligaments that hold our teeth in place within our jaws tend to be stubborn.
    They remember where the teeth used to be before braces, and they want to go back. To keep your
    teeth in their aligned, post-braces condition, make sure you wear your retainers as recommended.

Trust The Experts, Not The Myths!

Whatever you’ve heard about orthodontic treatment, make sure you bring all your questions to us. We can tell you what braces are really like at your initial consultation, as well as what you can expect from your treatment, how long it will likely take, and what you will experience. We can’t wait to help you get the smile of your dreams – book a complimentary consultation today with our Eden Prairie orthodontics team!