Ignoring Inaccurate Orthodontic Braces Advice

Not everyone you ask for advice about braces is going to have accurate information. There is no shortage of tips online about getting the most out of your orthodontic treatment, but it’s essential to know the difference between good and bad advice. The best advice will always come from your orthodontist and rarely from a neighbor or even a friend.

Bad Advice About Dental Braces

Below are a few pieces of inaccurate advice regarding orthodontic braces:

• Skip appointments to save time – If you skip your orthodontist appointments, you risk missing a vital part of your treatment, and you also may inadvertently extend the length of time that you’ll need to wear your braces. Following your orthodontist’s timeline is the best way to avoid problems later on.
• Choose DIY orthodontic treatment instead – Braces are made of special materials that are made specifically for moving the teeth in a healthy way. Using random objects in a junk drawer (fishing wire, paper clips, rubber bands, etc.) will not work and may damage your dental health. Leave the job of orthodontics to the pros! 
• Wait until the teen years to get dental braces – Not only do you not need to wait until teen years to visit the orthodontist, but the American Academy of Orthodontics recommends receiving a consultation for dental braces as early as seven years old. 
• Braces will leave spot stains on your teeth – Some people are under the mistaken impression that dental braces will leave ‘scars’ on their teeth. The only reason this may occur is if you neglect your dental hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. Ensuring that your teeth are correctly flossed every day and brushed twice a day is the best way to avoid these issues.

If you’ve been given bad braces advice, please speak with Dr.’s Lane, Brady, or Garlock here at Firestone Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics so we can get your treatment back on track! Our children’s dentist in Firestone, Colorado, is here to answer any of your questions.