We are so excited you’re thinking about getting orthodontic treatment at Jennings Orthodontics! Straightening your smile is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health – and your confidence! Unfortunately, there are a lot of rumors about orthodontic treatment on the Internet that can complicate your research, but don’t worry! This month, we’re covering the most common misconceptions about orthodontics so you can make the most informed decision for your treatment.
#1: Braces are just for teens
Let’s clear this one up right off the bat: orthodontic treatment will work for you no matter your age, condition, or background. At Jennings Orthodontics, we offer treatment for kids, teens, and adults alike because we believe that everyone deserves the power of a confident smile.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that kids visit their orthodontist for the first time at age seven. Early intervention at a young age allows Dr. Jennings to track jaw growth and provide treatment to patients who have more severe conditions years before they become teens.
Adults are great candidates for orthodontic treatment, too! Every year, more and more people over the age of 18 turn to Dr. Jennings to improve their smiles. In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult!
You may be under the impression that only teens wear braces, but in reality, orthodontic patients seek treatment at all ages.
#2: The only way to straighten my teeth is with braces
Because braces are all over the movies and social media, you may think that they are your only treatment option. That belief could not be further from the truth! Modern orthodontics has come a long way since the old days of bulky brackets and wires, and at Jennings Orthodontics, our team offers four unique treatment options for you to choose from:
Invisalign: This treatment option uses a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift your smile in line over time. Rather than using the bulky brackets and wires of traditional braces, our clear aligners straighten your teeth almost invisibly, so you can enjoy the perks of a beautiful grin even while undergoing treatment. Invisalign is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and treatment can take as little as six months to complete.
Metal Braces: Metal braces are our most popular treatment method, and they’re probably the first method that comes to mind when you think about orthodontics. Metal braces are a heavy-duty method for fixing moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Traditional braces straighten your smile over 12-36 months using a system of brackets and wires.
Clear Braces: Like metal braces, clear braces use brackets and wires to align your smile. However, unlike traditional braces, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth for a less noticeable treatment. Clear braces are an excellent option for patients who want a more discreet treatment plan with the same strength as metal braces.
#3: The only reason to get treatment is to get a straight smile
While this is a popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not just used for cosmetic purposes alone. There is a wide range of benefits from wearing braces, InBrace, or clear aligners. Choosing to get orthodontic treatment can have a major impact on your overall health and confidence.
Improved Digestion: It probably comes as no surprise that chewing is a major part of a fully-functioning digestive system – or that teeth play a major role in chewing! If you have a bad bite or spaces between your teeth, you may not be able to chew as well, causing issues with proper digestion. Orthodontic treatment can fix these issues, making your digestive system run more smoothly and alleviating your discomfort.
Oral Hygiene: Crowded, crooked teeth leave lots of room for bacteria to grow. Too much of this bad bacteria, and you’ve got plaque buildup that can lead to cavities and tooth decay! By straightening your teeth, however, they’ll become much easier to clean and care for, so you won’t have to worry about dental problems like gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Sleep Apnea: If you suffer from sleep apnea, you experience difficulty breathing while asleep, and for some patients, the cure is orthodontic treatment. Tooth or jaw misalignment can cause obstructions in your airway, making it difficult to sleep and causing you to snore. Fortunately, treatment from Jennings Orthodontics can help!
Speech Impairment: Sometimes, misaligned jaws or bad bites can cause speech problems that can make you feel frustrated and self-conscious. That’s because your teeth play a huge role in your ability to pronounce certain words. By seeking orthodontic treatment, you can realign your teeth and improve your speech by leaps and bounds.
Choosing to straighten your smile can absolutely give you a makeover – but that’s not all it will give you! You’ll also enjoy a boost to your physical health in many more ways than one.
#4: My straight smile results will last forever
We wish this one was true, but orthodontic treatment only lasts if you follow all of Dr. Jennings’s instructions. Wearing your retainer is a make-or-break situation. Wearing it as directed can mean you’ll keep your new smile for your entire life; forgetting to wear it could mean you’ll be back in our office for touch-up treatment before you know it.
The truth is, your teeth could begin to shift back to their original position just days after your braces come off. If you want to keep your straightest, happiest smile, you should wear your retainer for 22 hours per day for a year after your braces come off. After that, wear it at night for the rest of your life – that’s right. For best results, your retainer should be your best friend.
Let’s Make You Smile
Patients all around Louisville and Mt. Washington love their orthodontic results from Jennings Orthodontics! Dr. Jennings and the team are here for your treatment. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, your straight smile is just a free consultation away.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on all things orthodontics!