Despite orthodontic treatments being a fairly common type of procedure, there are many pieces of misinformation that can make individuals unprepared to evaluate or undergo this type of treatment. Due to the important benefits that orthodontic treatments can provide, it is important to have an accurate understanding about the benefits and requirements for undergoing these treatments.

Myth: You Will Always Need To Have Teeth Extracted As Part Of Your Orthodontic Treatments

A common problem for patients to experience is a crowded smile. This occurs when the patient either has extra teeth or a small mouth. In these instances, there can be a need to extract some of the teeth. While this is a common situation, it is not necessarily a procedure that every patient will need to undergo. In many instances, an orthodontist like Hyten David W DMD may be able to determine whether teeth need to be extracted with a basic visual examination. Some patients may need to be x-rayed for the orthodontist to determine whether this is needed.

Myth: A Patient Must Wait Until Their Teeth Have All Come In

There are many parents that may be unsure as to when their child should start to receive orthodontic treatments. In fact, there are many parents that might assume their child will only be able to undergo these treatments when their teeth have fully developed. However, it can be beneficial to start these treatments when the child's teeth are still growing into position. This is due to the fact that the teeth can be easier to adjust during this time. For this reason, your child should undergo regular orthodontic evaluations to determine whether these treatments will be needed as well as when they should start.

Myth: Braces Are Always Extremely Noticeable

In the past, it was common for people to have to wear ugly and very noticeable metal braces. While these braces can be extremely effective at shifting the positioning of the teeth, they can lead to self-esteem issues in the patient wearing them. Luckily, modern advances have made it possible for patients to opt for braces that are much more discreet. For example, it is possible to opt for braces that are made of clear plastic. These braces will fit on the teeth similar to traditional metal ones, but they will be made of a clear material that makes them much more discreet. Additionally, patients may be able to opt for removable retainers. The ability to remove these retainers can be invaluable in minimizing the cosmetic issues that braces can cause during photos or presentations.