Facts About Braces

Kelly Orthodontics

At Kelly Orthodontics, we often get asked a lot of great questions about orthodontic care and treatment. We have also seen a lot of false information on orthodontic treatment. Some are rumors and others are myths that are believed to be fact.

Myth: “Braces and orthodontic treatment are only for children.”

Fact: Braces are not just for kids… orthodontics can be rewarding to adults as well. Teeth provide the support structure for the soft tissue of the lower face, including lips, and cheeks. By repositioning the teeth and jaw, skin can appear tighter, and lips can appear fuller. Adults can often achieve greater facial aesthetics without surgery or the extraction of teeth with a treatment plan utilizing an appliance that can expand the jaw and reposition teeth and gums.

Myth: “I can’t play sports anymore because I have braces.”

Fact: Having braces, does not mean you have to stop living your life! Whether you just received braces or are near the end of your treatment, braces should not be a barrier to playing any type of sport. If you wear a mouth guard, braces should not stop you from playing your favorite sport. If you are unsure which type of mouth guard to use or need more information on mouth guards, ask our staff.

Myth: “My dentist says he can give me braces or Invisalign.”

Fact: Both an orthodontist and a dentist are health care professionals that work on teeth. Both health care professionals help patients achieve good oral health and both are dental school graduates. All Orthodontists are dentists, but only a small percentage of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists must successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and services include treating misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, and under bites. Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign.

A new smile means a new life change. At Kelly Orthodontics, we understand that a big decision like this is not easy. We will ensure that we answer all questions and make you feel comfortable. If you have any addition questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask us before coming to your first visit.

Straighter Smile Online

Kelly Orthodontics

You may have noticed that some online direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies have been making orthodontic treatment sound cheap and easy. While it may sound great to save money and buy your orthodontic treatment online, the reality is…you are not getting the treatment for less. You are simply purchasing a product and opting out of the many important aspects that make orthodontics work. The money you save today may end up costing you thousands of dollars in future corrective action.

Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of biological material, which if not done correctly could lead to potentially irreversible and expensive damage such as tooth and gum loss, changed bites, and other issues.

Orthodontic treatment is a major medical procedure. This is precisely why orthodontists require extensive training and education before they can begin performing treatments. Proper orthodontic treatment must include: 

• X-rays of your teeth and jaws 
• Clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and relationship of your teeth to your bone structures 
• Digital scans and/or impressions of your teeth 
• Multiple available treatment options explained by a licensed professional who can provide the best recommended course of treatment for you 
• Regular, in-person consultations to evaluate the progress of your treatment and make any necessary adjustments 
• Access to a licensed professional who can help immediately if you have an issue or emergency during your treatment

Remember…orthodontic treatment is not a product or device. Orthodontic treatment is a professional, medical service. When your care is personally supervised by an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, you are assured that your orthodontist spent years in a post-doctoral residency program focused on providing orthodontic treatment to patients.

If you are thinking about ordering aligners online without seeing a licensed orthodontist first, we strongly encourage you to schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Kelly Orthodontics before clicking that buy button. Dr. Kelly and his team sincerely care about your smile and will take the time to discuss the pros and cons of all your treatment options with you.

Before making any decision about orthodontic treatment, consider doing some research and having an in-person consultation with Dr. Kelly at our St. Charles location.