Braces are the most common method of correcting teeth and jaw misalignments. According to Healthline, more than four million people in the United States wear braces. A quarter of this amount includes adults. Unfortunately, even though braces have been around for a very long time, there are still a lot of misconceptions about them. Here are some important ones that need to be debunked.

Braces Are for Children

Braces are not just for children because oral misalignment can happen at any age. While it’s true that many teenagers wear braces, this doesn’t mean that they’re exclusive to younger people. You can get braces regardless of how old you are. Maybe you were not able to visit the orthodontist early in life, or you could not afford the treatment. If you want to straighten your teeth, it’s never too late to seek treatment. People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic consultation because it’s often very accessible. You don’t even have to worry about being seen with braces anymore, either; there are plenty of alternatives today including solutions like Invisalign, which are removable and virtually invisible.

Braces Are Expensive

This shouldn’t deter you from getting orthodontic treatment. There are lots of options to choose from if you want to get braces; some are cheaper than others. Apart from that, you can get dental health insurance to help, and you can even find orthodontists who offer flexible payment plans that work within your budget. The idea is to research and prepare your own finances, so you find the most cost-effective way to go about your orthodontic treatment.

Braces Are Painful

The idea of walking around with a mouth full of metal wires can make you believe that braces are painful. This is what keeps most people from getting the smile of their dreams. However, the idea that braces cause a lot of pain is entirely incorrect. It’s true that you will feel some level of discomfort when your teeth start to shift, but the braces should never be painful. If you are worried about the pain from traditional braces, there are more comfortable options like Invisalign. The trays used for Invisalign are made of plastic and they have no wires, so you will likely not feel as much discomfort or struggle as much with the cleaning aspect of treatment.

These are some of the most popular misconceptions about braces. Are you looking to get braces? It’s important to find out as much about them as possible, so you can get an idea of how they will benefit you. Get in touch with Dr. Bret Orthodontics today if you have more questions about braces or to book your next appointment!