Dental Office in Brampton Debunks 5 Orthodontic Treatment Myths

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth (malocclusion) and jaw issues. After dental school, they complete two to three years of additional training, focusing solely on improving bite alignment and fitting corrective devices like braces, clear aligners, and retainers.

While orthodontists and dentists in Brampton both care for teeth, dentists offer a wide range of other services, such as treating decay and gum disease and performing root canals or crowns. Dentists often refer patients to orthodontists for these specialized treatments. As such, all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.

Let’s look at five common misconceptions about orthodontists at dental offices in Brampton.

Dental Office in Brampton: 5 Popular Misunderstandings about Orthodontic Treatment

Here are five things people misunderstand about orthodontists and orthodontic treatment:

1. Orthodontics Is Only for Children

A common myth surrounding orthodontic treatment is that it’s only meant for children or teenagers. However, this is far from the truth. Advancements in orthodontics have enabled adults to achieve equally effective results. There’s no age limit for improving your smile and oral health through orthodontic interventions. Many adults pursue treatment to fix misaligned teeth, bite issues, or simply for aesthetic reasons. Modern orthodontic methods, like clear aligners, offer discreet and personalized options for adult patients.

Correcting orthodontic problems in adulthood can prevent future dental issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, ensuring a healthier smile for years to come. It’s never too late to start orthodontic treatment.

2. Orthodontists Only Fix Crooked Teeth

When people think of orthodontics, they often picture traditional metal braces. However, orthodontists in Brampton offer a range of treatments beyond braces. Traditional metal braces, which use brackets, wires, and bands, remain a common option to correct overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and gaps. There are also less noticeable ceramic braces and colourful bands for younger patients.

In addition to braces, orthodontists provide other treatments like space maintainers, which keep gaps open when baby teeth are lost early to ensure proper growth of adult teeth.

Jaw repositioning appliances help align patients’ jaws, while lip and cheek bumpers reduce discomfort caused by pressure on the lips and cheeks. A palatal expander is another tool that helps widen the upper jaw for better alignment.

After treatment, removable retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. These retainers can be made from plastic or wires and are usually worn at night to maintain results.

3. Orthodontic Treatment Is Expensive

While orthodontic care may seem costly upfront, it’s often a worthwhile investment in your dental health and confidence. Many orthodontists offer affordable pricing and work closely with insurance companies to help reduce costs.

Insurance plans in Canada often cover up to 50% of orthodontic treatment, subject to certain limits. To understand your coverage, it’s best to contact your insurance provider or plan administrator to ask specific questions about braces and any coverage restrictions, such as age limits or maximum payout amounts.

4. Orthodontic Treatment Is Inconvenient

Many people think orthodontic treatment is inconvenient, but that’s not always true. For example, a common myth is that metal braces will set off airport metal detectors. However, the materials used in braces are too light to trigger any alarms.

Another concern is that you have to give up your favourite foods. Certain foods must be avoided during treatment with traditional metal braces to prevent damage. However, alternative treatments like Invisalign clear aligners allow you to enjoy any food you want. The aligners are removable, so you can take them out at mealtimes without worrying.

Orthodontic treatment does require some adjustments, but modern methods have made the process much simpler and more manageable.

5. Orthodontic Treatment Takes Too Long

The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some patients with minor alignment issues can achieve a straighter smile in as little as three to six months, while more complicated cases may take 12 to 18 months or even longer. On average, treatment can last anywhere from 12 to 36 months.

Before beginning treatment, a dental office in Brampton will have an orthodontist perform a detailed examination to assess your unique needs, including x-rays, impressions, or facial scans. This evaluation helps develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the most efficient timeline based on the condition of your teeth, jaw, and facial structure.

 
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and offers significant benefits for adults. With advancements in modern orthodontics, patients can choose from various treatment options to suit their needs and lifestyles. A dental office in Brampton can provide personalized care and debunk common myths, ensuring you receive the most effective and convenient treatment. Whether correcting crooked teeth and jaw issues or seeking a straighter smile, orthodontic care is an investment in your long-term oral health.

This entry was posted in Dentistry on Dusk on December 16, 2024.