Myths about Orthodontics
 Cosmetic dentistry is an area that has enjoyed explosive growth
in recent years. Many of the treatment options in this area regard
restorative and invasive procedures, oftentimes overlooking more conservative
orthodontic options. Many times, the reasons for this oversight are
the long-held beliefs about the nature of orthodontics, which are actually
misconceptions about its application to adults. I want to dispel these
myths.Myth #1: “I am too old to have orthodontics” The truth is, there is no age limit for adults to have orthodontic treatment! That's right; no age limit. The orthodontic literature is replete with case reports of elderly patients successfully treated, and it is this author's experience as well. How could that be? Well, the reality is that age doesn't matter; health does. Once the dentition and the periodontium can be diagnosed and treated so as to ensure that it is healthy, then tooth movement can be achieved quite successfully, no matter how old the patient may be. Myth #2 “Orthodontics takes too long” Is 6-9 months too long? That's the average treatment time for adults in my office. Oftentimes, it's even less! The trick is to employ what is known as “limited treatment.” This means that we identify the problem areas or areas of concern, and set very specific goals that we can accomplish within a specific time period. Of course, these goals will also ensure that health and stability are never compromised. There are other ways to expedite treatment as well. The utilization of light and continuous forces has proven to be a much more efficient means to achieve tooth movement in adults. A more frequent appointment interval (usually 2-3 weeks between visits) enables a more gradual buildup and greater continuity. This saves time and also allows greater attention to detail. Myth #3 “Orthodontics is painful” The two main sources of discomfort are eliminated by the way we use a fully bonded appliance. What this means is that there are no metal bands that wrap around the teeth to secure the appliance, and so the placement of the braces is very simple and gentle (not to mention expedient). Since there is no material between the teeth, the pressure created by bands is gone. Not only is the bonded appliance more comfortable to wear, it is far more hygienic and less unsightly as well! Further, as was alluded to in myth #2, we use very light and continuous force application. What this means is that adjustments are done very gradually and gently. There is never a time when the braces are so tight that it hurts. It is far more efficient to adjust the appliance in smaller increments, but do so more frequently. This is another reason why we employ a 2-3 week appointment interval. Myth #4 “Orthodontics is not good for my teeth” Again, perhaps a throwback to the old appliance designs. Whereas the older banded appliances often did result in tooth decalcification and even decay if not properly maintained, the bonded bracket allows much greater access to the tooth for hygiene and maintenance. When the braces are removed, the untarnished original tooth surface is preserved. Compare that to other cosmetic procedures where the teeth are actually cut down and reduced in size to make room for artificial materials! Once a tooth is reduced for a veneer or laminate, the patient is committed for life to artificial materials placed on their teeth. Orthodontics is usually accomplished with the tooth in its naturally existing condition. Myth #5 “Orthodontics is too expensive” Compared to what? When one considers the alternatives, the cost of orthodontics is really fractional. A single tooth veneer often costs $1500, and how many cases get only one? Not too many, the norm is more like 6-10 veneers, per jaw! You do the math. And don't forget to factor in that they may need to be redone from time to time! Full orthodontic cases cost $6000 if that much, and that is for the whole mouth! Many cases can be half-mouth, or even less for removable appliance where applicable. That could be done for the cost of a single veneer. Money aside, cost can be measured in biologic terms as well. Orthodontic therapy is conservative to tooth structure, which can never be replaced once removed. Why would anyone want to cut down a healthy enamel surface? Orthodontics is the only cosmetic treatment modality that relies upon the body's own reparative and remodeling capacity to achieve natural and lasting beauty. What price do you put on that? Conclusion Orthodontic treatment is the naturally beautiful cosmetic procedure that is suitable for patients of all ages. It can be accomplished with minimal discomfort, in a reasonable time period with lasting results that is conservative to tooth structure and a comparative bargain in price! No wonder many “cosmetic dentists” are labeling their restorations as “orthodontic veneers.” They're trying to mimic what is really the better modality. |