Not everyone born to have perfect alignment and this is why orthodontics occurs. Orthodontics is a specialty discipline of dentistry that focuses on alignment of the teeth and jaws. It can improve a person’s appearance as well as oral health. However, not only patients but some dentists have misunderstandings of orthodontics.

1. Adults are not the candidates of orthodontics?

Tooth movement exits in person’s whole life. Ages for different alignment problems varies in orthodontics treatment for problems. Children, teenagers, adults and elder people can be the candidates of orthodontics. 

2. Orthodontics loosens teeth?

Orthodontics treatment works by wearing braces. When braces put pressure on one’s teeth, the periodontal membrane stretches on one side and it compressed on the other. When the teeth move to their proper position, the teeth will become settled without external force.

3. Teeth will fall out after years with orthodontics?

The main reason for teeth falling is having periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis and there is no connection between orthodontics treatment and periodontal disease.

4. There is rapid orthodontics within 7 days?

The so call rapid orthodontics within 7 days is actually abrading teeth surface and covers a crown instead. It is totally different from normal orthodontics. Though patients can improve appearance in a short period, it damage teeth which is irreversible.

5. Orthodontics only has aesthetic function?

Many patients’ aim to have orthodontics treatment is to improve their appearance. Actually orthodontics also helps to improve long-term health of gums and teeth as well as speech or eating.

6. Teeth extraction is a must for orthodontics?

The purpose of teeth extraction in orthodontics is to provide room for the repositioned teeth. Teeth extraction is necessary in most crowding and protruding teeth cases but not a must in other condition. It depends on one’s teeth condition.

7. No need to have orthodontics for deciduous teeth?

Orthodontic treatment in young children is known as interceptive orthodontics, and it can begin as early as age 6 or 7. At this age, teeth are still developing and the jaw is still growing. That means certain conditions, such as crowding, may be easier to address.

8. Orthodontics hurts a lot?

There should be minimal pain when braces are applied to the teeth but just some discomfort. It may take you longer to eat meals the day you have them applied to your teeth, as you'll need to adjust to chewing.

9. Orthodontics has to wear brace?

There are several kinds of orthodontic appliances including removable appliance and fixed appliance. Orthodontic brace is the most common one. The dentist or orthodontist will decide which appliance is most suitable for you.

10. Shorten adjusting frequency can shorten the orthodontics duration?

Teeth movement has its own cycle and the adjusting movement needs to be done slowly or otherwise the patients risk losing their teeth. Every time you return visit, the dentist will adjust the braces to reduce the pressure added on teeth reduces gradually. Shorten adjusting frequency might hurt teeth.