Most people have heard at least one.
You shouldn’t attend dental check-ups if you don’t have a toothache. Or, you should avoid wearing braces because they are ugly.
Dental myths are everywhere, and even in 2023 when almost everyone has access to the internet, many people still believe them.
So, this article sets down the truth behind the myths that you may have heard about dental care.
Myth 1- You have to have your wisdom teeth removed
Your dentist Liverpool will only remove your wisdom teeth if they are causing an issue.
As they are the last set of teeth to erupt, however, they often do cause problems! This can be impaction (when they don’t erupt straight up), infection, or sinus issues.
If you are aged between 14-19, and you think there is an issue with your wisdom teeth, then please, contact your dental team. In most cases, your team will try their hardest to keep them in your mouth.
Myth 2- Braces are ugly
OK, so most people think that the fitted brace is an ugly device.
However, if you need to wear one at any stage in your life and are worried about the appearance of them, then talk to your dental team about some of the discreet fitted options, such as clear braces or lingual braces.
These options will, on average, be more expensive than the traditional fitted braces, so for the purpose of saving money, it may be better to just go with the well-known metal options.
Myth 3- Crowns are only for decayed teeth
It was once the case that if you had a very decayed tooth, your dental team would prep the tooth for a crown, which involved reshaping the tooth and then putting the crown on. For this to be an option, for many people, an X-ray would be needed to assess the condition of the roots.
In the last 20 years, however, the rise in cosmetic crowns has been evident, with more dental teams applying them to people who may be unsuitable for veneers. They look great, they can be shade-matched, and they last a long time!
Myth 4- Check-ups are only needed if you have toothache
This is a myth that really needs to stop!
Imagine if you only went to an optician because you had gone blind!
Anyway, on average, people are advised to see their dental team for check-ups every 6 months. If, however, you are wearing braces or are at a high risk of developing decay, your dental team may want to see you every 3 months for cleanings and assessing your teeth. This is also likely if you have a misalignment that may be preventing you from cleaning your teeth as well as you need to.
Of course, if you have a toothache, you should contact your dental team immediately, as you may have a cavity or an abscess forming. But remember, in dental care and in most things in life, prevention is better than cure. And by seeing your dental team every 6 months, any issues such as cavities or signs of gum disease will be spotted quickly and can be managed better.
Myth 5- Anyone can wear Invisalign aligners
Back to the world of orthodontics for a moment; you may have heard of the invisible aligner that is taking the world by storm.
Invisalign aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth and correct various dental issues, such as misalignment, crowding, and spacing problems. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, smooth, and virtually invisible plastic material. They are custom-made for each patient using advanced 3D imaging technology, so the type that you wear will be specified for each stage of dental realignment that your teeth go through.
However, while it is completely understandable why almost everyone wants to straighten their teeth with this aligner, it is not suitable for everyone. To qualify for it, you need to have a mild to moderate misalignment with your front teeth, which will then be corrected with the aligner over a period of around 3-6 months (on average).
If, however, you have a misalignment issue that would require the movement of molars, the rotation of teeth, or the closing of excessive spacing, then you will be better suited for wearing a fitted brace. Not to worry, though, there are discreet options for fitted braces, too, such as lingual braces, which are attached to the back of the tooth rather than the front. These options are more expensive than fitted braces, however, so talk to your orthodontist about financing options.
