Yes, some of the claims about braces are false, but some may be true.
Published: August 31, 2023
By: Carol Muse Evans
Can you receive radio signals on your metal braces? Can you eat sweets when wearing braces? Will a metal detector at the airport go off when you wear braces? We talked to reputable area orthodontists to get the myths and facts about braces.
According to Dr. John Phillips of PT Orthodontics, you cannot receive radio signals on your braces. You CAN eat sweets (But Phillips says popcorn, on the other hand, is not a good idea), and you will not set off a metal detector at the airport.
Yes, some of the claims about braces are false, but some may be true.
When it comes to foods, Phillips says that “No one has ever starved from wearing braces.” However, there are foods that can be problematic and should be either avoided or eaten carefully.
Dr. Olga M. Sanchez-Hernandez says that when it comes to food, to have an excellent result, “it is important that the orthodontist and the patient work as a team. It is extremely important that the appliances and teeth are cleaned as instructed by your orthodontist.
She points out that many foods can cause stains, can cause wires to bend to detach braces and appliances, and much of this can delay treatment. “You can discuss specifics about your diet with your orthodontist,” Sanchez-Hernandez says.
Can you play a horn or other similar musical instrument with braces? All the orthodontists here say “yes.” It may require an adjustment, but you can continue to play your wind instrument once you get braces.
In fact, Phillips says both braces and Invisalign may make you a better horn player. “Braces force you to breathe right,” Phillips points out.
What about two people with braces kissing? We’ve all heard that if two people with braces kiss, they can get stuck. “No,” says Dr. Ben Samuelson of Samuelson Orthodontics,” But if you are a teen in our practice, will we tell you ‘yes.’ (You are welcome, parents.)”
“Today’s smaller, sleeker braces make it extremely difficult and almost impossible to lock braces while kissing,” Sanchez-Hernandez says. “Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any ‘attraction’ felt is on the part of the wears, so pucker up!”
“Am I more likely to be struck by lightning when wearing braces?” All the doctors say a resounding “no.”
Now to the serious part. There are some important “truths” in wearing braces.
Samuelson says one of the biggest myths about braces is that once you have completed treatment, your teeth will stay perfectly straight the rest of your life with no effort on the patient’s part. This isn’t true. “Retention is important,” Samuelson adds.
Phillips adds that long ago they thought might have been true, but orthodontists came to realize that just like the rest of your body, over time, teeth CAN change, and that’s why the retainer becomes so important. “Think of the retainer as insurance,” Phillips points out.
“Teeth are embedded in live tissue and because of that, they move throughout your lifetime,” Sanchez-Hernandez explains. “That is why it is extremely important to wear your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist. If you do your teeth will remain straight forever. If you do not, your teeth may relapse,” she adds.
When it comes to age for braces, Phillips says there is no one that is too old for braces. “From age 7 – 80, you are never too old for braces. There are a lot of things you cannot change as you age, but we can
help with restorative care,” Phillips adds.
“Braces can help you have a healthy, beautiful smile at any age,” Sanchez-Hernandez adds. “…Teeth continue to shift throughout life…fortunately advances in orthodontics have created less noticeable, more comfortable treatment options, as well.”
“Does my child have to have all of her permanent teeth before getting her braces?” Dr. Michael McCarthy of Birmingham Orthodontics says ‘no,’ but the typical practice is to wait until she has lost the majority of her baby teeth. “We recommend most patients come in for consultation between the ages of 10 and 13 – unless your dentist recommends seeing an orthodontist sooner, McCarthy says.
“Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future, according to McCarthy.
And, orthodontic treatments are more convenient than ever before, Phillips adds. “Children used to come in once a month for adjustments. Now improvements and advancements mean this is more like every 8 weeks, which is more convenient for the parent and patient, and with Invisalign, it is more like every 10 weeks,” Phillips says.
“Braces can help you have a healthy beautiful smile at any age,” Sanchez-Hernandez adds.