Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry that is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of teeth displacement and facial irregularities. An Orthodontist is a dentist who have received more training than the general dentist to become skilled in helping patients align their teeth, fit braces and treat many types of teeth and jaw disorders.
Everyone knows who a dentist is: they are the teeth doctor and so people run to them anytime they need some treatment for their teeth. Orthodontists are not as popular as dentists, but they are also a dentist, only that they have much more treatments to offer.
An Orthodontist even though they are dentists is quite alien to many people; and to people that know what an orthodontist can do, the different myths that have been created about orthodontists has made a lot of people skeptical or fearful about visiting them.
These myths have prevented a lot of people from taking the needed step to improve the appearance of their teeth and face. They are myths standing between people and their desire to achieve a perfect smile.
What are some of the myths about orthodontists and the treatment they offer and why should you not always believe what you hear about orthodontist?
- Orthodontists are very expensive
Orthodontists are not as expensive as people say they are. The cost of treatments depends on the severity of each case. Most orthodontists offer free consultations and flexible payment plans, so you do not have to worry about how you are going to pay the doctor’s fee at once. Orthodontists take pride in helping people achieve an excellent dental and facial transformation; they closely monitor your progress every step of the way, so any amount of money you pay them is well worth it.
- Orthodontic treatments take a very long time
Many believe all orthodontic treatment take months to several years. This is not entirely true. Just like most other health cases, orthodontic treatment time depend on the complexity of a patient’s case. Some patients need more time for treatment while some patients can complete their treatment in a much shorter time. To know the time required for your treatment, you need to consult an orthodontist instead of believing what people say about orthodontic treatment duration.
- Orthodontic treatment is cosmetic
It is true that orthodontists want your face to look better; they want to help you achieve a nice smile and increase your self-esteem. However, this is just a part of what they do. They also solve biting, speaking, and chewing problems. Furthermore, the teeth straightening treatment they provide is important for oral health because it is difficult to effectively brush overlapping teeth, and when the teeth are not cleaned the right way, tooth decay sets in.
- Orthodontic treatment is for kids
Everyone that desires a beautiful smile needs an orthodontist, not just kids. The time you need to visit a dentist is the first time you feel self-conscious about your smile.