Orthodontic Brace Myths Busted

When your dentist recommends that you or your child needs orthodontic treatment, you may be feeling a little pensive about the realities of living with braces. It’s natural to feel anxious about the unknown, especially when there are so many myths that have developed around orthodontic braces.

Over the years of practicing, we have heard an amazing and diverse collection of myths about orthodontic braces from our patients, so to finally put these tales to bed, here are the most common myths and the truths behind them:

Myth #1 - Braces hurt

The advances in dental technology have made a significant impact on how orthodontic braces feel for the patient. There is no longer just the one orthodontic treatment solution to straighten a smile. You have options: traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners. The good news is that technology informs the level of adjustments required so your teeth are moved with minimal discomfort – you really don’t need to suffer for your smile.

Myth #2 - You have to eat a restrictive diet

Most patients have concerns that they will be deprived of their favourite foods for the duration of their orthodontic treatment. While some sweets and candies need to be avoided because they can get stuck in metal braces, there are very few foods that you will need to avoid. Invisalign aligners are removed for eating so there is zero impact on the food that you can eat.

Myth #3 – You will be teased

You will be familiar with the playground taunts that brace wearers suffered when you were a child, but now more and more people have braces to correct their teeth. It’s no longer a rarity, and as such any brace-bashing bullies have lost their power. Besides, a mouth full of metal is a thing of the past – the Invisalign aligners are clear and the more traditional braces can now use ceramic plates to match the colour of the teeth and are barely visible. Of course, we can’t guarantee that you won’t receive comments about your orthodontic braces, but we can say that there will be far less than you anticipate!

Myth #4 – A brace is for vanity

Your teeth are part of what makes you a visually unique character, and you may think that a brace will dilute your individuality; however, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean and can become a breeding ground for bacteria that causes gum disease and compromises your oral health. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues; ignoring your teeth’s alignment can impact on your long term general health. A brace can enhance your aesthetic appeal, but it can also be a preventative health treatment.

Myth #5 – Braces cost a fortune

Cost is a major influencer in your decision to have orthodontic braces. You may have heard how much a friend has paid for theirs and be quietly put off. However, each patient is an individual with specific oral needs and requirements that is unique to them. For example, if you require orthodontic surgery, costs are naturally going to be higher than someone who needs orthodontic braces alone. It is unlikely that your needs will match your friends! The only way to get an accurate price for the orthodontic treatment you need is to come in for an appointment with one of our Christchurch orthodontic team.

At Duxton Dental we combine our commitment to our patients’ wellbeing with innovative technology to provide first-class dental treatment to enhance our patients’ smiles. Contact us today at our Riccarton dental clinic to organise an appointment to see which orthodontic treatment (if any) is best for you.

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Straight talk: how Invisalign aligns more than just your teeth

By Briar Crammock-Sands • March 30, 2025

Tired of your crooked teeth? Desperate to be able to smile with confidence? When it comes to straightening your teeth, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the aesthetic impact of cosmetic dental treatment . And with good reason: orthodontic braces can transform even the most challenging set of teeth into a Hollywood-worthy smile. With dental care innovations skyrocketing over the past decade, Invisalign is the comparatively new kid on the orthodontic block – delivering the same results as traditional braces but with near invisibility, supreme convenience and incomparable comfort. But Invisalign offers much more than just a cosmetic dentistry upgrade and welcome boost to your self-esteem and confidence. As one of the leading options for teeth alignment, Invisalign transforms not only the appearance of your teeth but also improves your overall dental health. Whether you’re looking for a discreet solution for teeth straightening or seeking better dental care, Invisalign treatment provides several benefits that go beyond aesthetics. At Duxton Dental clinic in Christchurch, quality Invisalign treatment is tailored to your individual and unique needs to give you that perfect smile but also the health benefits of Invisalign: Improved oral hygiene and health A major benefit of Invisalign treatment is its ability to enhance your oral hygiene routine. The wires and brackets of traditional orthodontic braces can make brushing and flossing a challenging task, which can result in poor oral hygiene during the teeth straightening process. However, with Invisalign, the removable aligners allow you to brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions. During the Invisalign process, you’ll notice how straighter teeth make it easier to clean your entire mouth thoroughly. This ease of cleaning maintains overall dental health by ensuring plaque and food particles don’t get trapped around teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities and gum disease and promoting healthier gums and teeth.