Did you have a New Year’s resolution to straighten your teeth in 2022? Have you been thinking about how orthodontics might give you the smile you’ve always wanted?
If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Alborzi Orthodontics offers a range of affordable treatment options to improve the health and appearance of your smile. While most of our patients choose Invisalign clear aligners, they aren’t a good fit for everyone. Our Damon metal and clear braces can be an excellent solution for those who require a bit more self control.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot that people get wrong about braces! Let’s look at some of the myths surrounding them and what you can expect from the treatment process when you trust our practice with your smile.
Braces are only for children and teens
If you’ve always associated braces with children and teens, you’re not alone! Many people think that orthodontic treatment is for younger patients only, but the truth is, braces can be beneficial at almost any age. We work with patients of all ages in our San Mateo and Half Moon Bay offices. While some issues are easier to treat in kids and teens, we have the expertise and technology to create straighter smiles for adults, too. Correcting orthodontic issues will improve your oral health and boost your confidence no matter how old you are!
Braces are painful
One of the biggest concerns potential patients have is that braces will hurt. The good news is, this is definitely a myth when it comes to Damon braces! It takes time for your teeth to adjust to an orthodontic appliance like braces, so there may be some mild discomfort when they’re first put on, but this is temporary. You may also experience some slight soreness or irritation following adjustment appointments. This is normal and will resolve on its own over a day or two.
We use Damon braces, which do not have any elastic tie-ins like regular braces. Those tie-ins can sometimes cause friction and pressure, resulting in soreness and pain. This may even add to the total treatment time. The Damon system is different! It uses a patented slide mechanism to hold the archwire in place while allowing the teeth to move freely and quickly without as much friction. This means 600x less force and for you much less pain.
The “shape memory” archwire is very light and capable of connecting the slide brackets without the pressure that traditional elastics often produce. These components move the teeth gently over time, with fewer adjustments and a more comfortable treatment experience overall. 
Braces take too long to work
The question we hear most often is “how long will I need to be in braces?” But every smile is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that! Treatment times depend on many different factors including the severity of the case, the improvements desired, how compliant the patient is, and how responsive the patient is to the chosen treatment method.
While we aren’t able to give you an exact estimate for treatment time, we can look at the average to give you a better idea of what to expect from the process. Most patients will wear braces for anywhere from 12-24 months, but the Damon design can help speed treatment times up! The time spent in braces will vary from case to case, but our patients experience an average of 37-40% shorter treatment time. That means Damon braces may come off 6-9 months sooner than traditional braces!
Braces are only useful for straightening teeth
Braces are very good at straightening crooked teeth, but that’s not all they can do. They can also help improve or resolve many other orthodontic issues! Misaligned teeth and jaws can cause symptoms that may result in increased difficulty with everyday tasks such as eating and speaking. Braces can address and correct many of these problems! In addition to straightening the teeth and giving you a more attractive smile, they can improve your speech, oral health, and even your digestion.
Braces severely limit your snacks and meals
It’s true that food restrictions are a part of having braces, and this is often one of the most frustrating parts of the treatment process. To protect your brackets and teeth, you’ll need to avoid any crunchy or sticky foods as long as you’re in braces. That includes raw fruit and veggies like apples or carrots, popcorn, and any candy that comes with caramel, nuts, or other chewy bits.
This can certainly be inconvenient, but there are plenty of delicious ortho-friendly foods you can still enjoy! And remember: treatment won’t last forever. All your hard work will pay off as soon as we remove your braces and reveal your beautiful new smile!
Braces will permanently straighten your smile
We could file this under wishful thinking rather than myth. While braces are an excellent solution for achieving a straighter smile and aligning the bite, that won’t last forever without a little help from retainers. Because teeth don’t like being moved from their original positions, it takes a significant amount of pressure from braces to shift them. That level of support can’t be maintained indefinitely, however.
After we remove your braces, your mouth will need time to grow the support that keeps the teeth in their new places. We do this by applying more pressure with a custom-made retainer. Without regular retainer use, your teeth will naturally begin to drift back to their original position over time. This can happen faster than you’d think! In the first year post-treatment, your teeth can start shifting in as little as a few days.
Using your retainer as instructed by Dr. Alborzi will ensure that your newly straightened teeth are where they need to be to allow them to heal fully once treatment is complete. It will also allow your teeth to settle into those new positions permanently. This is what gives you long-lasting results you’ll enjoy for years to come!
Find your best smile with braces from the experts at Alborzi Orthodontics
Braces are a big decision! We appreciate the trust you have in us. Our expert team is committed to providing you with world-class care and a rewarding experience from start to finish. Whether you’re contemplating braces or have already decided to take the leap, we’re here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! If you have any concerns or want to schedule your FREE consultation, call 650-342-4171 or click here.