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Braces are Magnetic

Published on September 12, 2018
Image provided by colourmovie.com

We all know someone who has a friend who has a brother who knows a guy that had braces...so the story must be true. 

There are a lot of myths about orthodontics and getting braces, some of which have been told so many times, by so many different people, they are now believed to be the truth. Well...guess what? Even if you know the guy who has the brother who has the friend...the story is most likely an Urban Legend. 

Legend: Only children and teens need to visit an orthodontist. 
TRUTH: It is very typical for adults to experience rotation or misalignment of teeth. If you’ve still got teeth, Dr. Spannhake can straighten them! Certainly there are age-related changes that affect the way treatment proceeds. Restorative needs and periodontal concerns necessitate a full diagnosis and discussion of your needs...but the truth is...everyone, no matter what their age, can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, pleasing smile. Health, happiness and self-esteem are important at any age. 

Legend: Braces interfere with radio signals and electronic devices. 
TRUTH: In theory any metal can act as an antenna. Radio signals are modulated electro-magnetic waves transmitted through the air. In order for these transmitted signals to travel well in air, they must be sent at high-frequencies. This is achieved through modulation. Even if someone's braces could receive these frequencies, it would have to be decoded to actually hear any messages. 

Legend: Braces are just for cosmetic purposes and aren’t necessary for your overall dental health. 
TRUTH: While braces can definitely help you get that beautiful smile, they aren’t just for cosmetic improvement. Well aligned teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene making it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, resolving certain orthodontic problems with the use of braces can improve your ability to speak, chew, and even breathe. 

Legend: Wearing braces will increase your chances of being struck by lightning? 
TRUTH: The chances of a person getting struck by lightning are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any given year, the chance that you will be struck by lightning is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing. 

Legend: You don't need to visit your General Dentist when you are in braces treatment. 
TRUTH: Even if you are having regular orthodontic checkups, you should never skip your regular dental checkups. Having braces makes you more prone to plaque and tartar accumulation, so your dental cleanings are actually more important now. Regular dental checkups are the best way to ensure harmful buildup is removed from your mouth. 

Legend: If there was a giant magnet overhead, anyone who is wearing braces would get stuck to it. 
TRUTH: Braces are made of materials which are non-magnetic in nature. Therefore, getting stuck to a giant magnet is highly unlikely. And really...where is this giant magnet everyone is talking about anyway? We haven't seen it. Have you?



Image provided by HSOrtho




Point is...Orthodontic Urban Legends are just that...Legends. No matter what your friend's brother's cousin says.


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