The Most Common Misconceptions About Orthodontics

Sometimes when patients visit our Olathe and Overland Park orthodontic offices for their first consultation, they’re surprised by what they learn about braces and Invisalign since there are a lot of orthodontic misconceptions floating around. This is mainly because the field has experienced so much innovation and the process of straightening teeth is way different than it used to be (just look at how much smaller and more comfortable metal braces are!). At Moon Orthodontics we like to make sure our patients are informed and confident when it comes time to choose a treatment option so we want to dispel some of these common orthodontic myths.

Myth: My dentist is the same as an orthodontist.

Fact: Well, all orthodontists are dentists. However, not all dentists are orthodontists. Confused? It’s actually quite simple and comes down to training. To become a certified orthodontist, an individual must get their bachelor’s degree, obtain a complete doctorate at dental school and then complete two or three years of additional specialty training at an orthodontic residency program, which includes classroom studies and gaining lots and lots of clinical experience. After all of that schooling and passing his examinations, Dr. Moon is an expert at straightening teeth and diagnosing the cause of bite problems in order to choose the most effective treatment option.

Myth: Orthodontists only treat children and teens.

Fact: You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! Orthodontists treat patients of all ages. In fact, an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) survey found that one in five orthodontic patients are adults and a whopping 92 percent of them would recommend treatment to other adults. With aesthetic options like Invisalign and clear braces, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile and no one will even notice you’re straightening your teeth. We even offer PROPEL™ in Overland Park and Olathe at our offices, which can cut treatment time by up to 50%.

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Myth: Children have to wait until all of their permanent teeth come in for orthodontic treatment.

Fact: Children should start visiting the orthodontist at age seven, which is well before all of their permanent teeth have come in. In many cases, we’ll just monitor the development of their teeth and jaws until it’s time for treatment. However, sometimes we’ll see issues that need to be fixed early. With interceptive orthodontics, we start with Phase I braces or appliances while the child still has their baby teeth in order to avoid extractions, surgery or complex treatment when they’re older.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes way too long.

Fact: This is a definite braces myth! Orthodontics has made major strides. With devices like PROPEL™, which we offer at Moon Orthodontics, braces and Invisalign treatment time can be dramatically decreased. Dr. Moon is also a SureSmile provider. This technology moves teeth more efficiently and more accurately than ever before with the help of memory alloy archwire that is bent by a robot according to Dr. Moon’s prescription. Yes, we said a robot. With all of the advances in technology, you can getstraight teeth in a snap.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment isn’t worth the cost.

Fact: An improved bite and stunning smile not only look great and boost your confidence, they also have important health benefits. Straight teeth are much easier to effectively brush and floss, which prevents cavities and gum disease. Plus teeth that aren’t protruding are less susceptible to injury and damage. Tooth loss, either from trauma or poor oral hygiene, causes bone deterioration and a host of issues. An aligned bite also makes for easier chewing and speaking and wards off headaches and jaw pain. 

While the lifelong benefits are definitely worth it for most people, we know everyone’s budget is different. Moon Orthodontics is committed to making treatment affordable and we offer a variety of payment options including interest-free installment plans. We alsowork with insurance plans and factor in Flexible or Health Savings Account (FSA/HSA).  

So now that you’ve got the truth behind a variety of braces and orthodontics myths, are you ready to explore your options for straightening your teeth? Contact Moon Orthodontics and schedule a free consultation. We’ll answer all of your questions, discuss your goals and customize treatment to suit your smile and needs.