Whether you have had traditional metal braces or are about to get them put on, there are a lot of different “stories” people are going to tell you. You will hear everything from embarrassing stories to horror stories when braces are involved. You probably have heard stories like metal bracket braces set off metal detectors and that you have a higher chance of getting struck by lightning. Well, we are here to help put some of these myths to rest and provide you with accurate information regarding braces. Below you will find some of the most popular myths you may have heard!

Traditional Metal BracesMetal bracket braces set off metal detectors

This is one of the most popular myths that has been floating around for a while. It seems that your metal braces will set off a metal detector, but it is not true! So how is this myth not true? Well, the metal in your braces is not the same metal that metal detectors are looking for. So there is no need to worry about setting off the detector the next time you fly or go to a high-security area. 

Braces are magnetic, so you have a high chance of being struck by lightning

It is no secret that when there is a lightning storm, you should avoid being around metal or magnetic objects. Well, your braces increasing your chances of being struck by lightning is actually a myth. These days, metal bracket braces contain no magnetic particles and instead are made of metal alloys, which are a combination of metals and non-metals. This myth started back in the day because braces did contain some magnetic particles in them back then! Non-magnetic alloys like the ones used in braces do not conduct electricity, so you are perfectly safe!

If you and your lover both have braces, you will get stuck together if you kiss

As a young teen, you read books, watch movies, and hear stories about the dreadful first kisses. It can be extremely nerve-racking if you also happen to have braces. A massive thought in teens is that they will get their braces caught in someone else’s braces or even cut or scratch the other person. This, of course, is another popular myth. Some movies and shows have shown two people getting caught together, and the chances of that ever happening are incredibly slim. 

Metal bracket braces are made to be compact, small, and efficient. This means that they are not likely to break and snag onto someone else’s braces while sharing a kiss. They are quite discreet and small on teeth these days that when two people are kissing, you won’t even realize the other person has braces!

Braces prevent you from playing an instrument

There has been this myth that braces are so bulky on your teeth that you cannot purse your lips enough to play an instrument. Well, we are gladly here to tell you that it is not the case. As we just mentioned in the kissing myth section, braces these days are made to be small, discreet, and compact. If you can kiss with braces, you certainly can play the instrument of your choosing with them on your teeth. You may need to adjust to the braces for the first month, but you will feel fine after that!

After you get braces, your teeth with remain straight

Sadly, we wish this was true, but that is not how teeth work. Braces will straighten your teeth while you wear them. However, your teeth will move over time. After your braces are removed, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer that you must wear to retain your straight smile. The retainer will need to be worn for the remainder of your life to keep your teeth straight. 

Metal bracket braces are only for teenagers

This is, of course, not true! Children from the age of seven and even adults all get metal braces. It is very common in teenagers to get braces and is widely seen in this age group. It is less likely to see adults with braces because either they already had them when they were younger or invest in ceramic braces or Invisalign. Adults prefer the discreet look, so it does not interfere with their daily lifestyles. 

We hope you enjoyed learning about the most popular myths regarding metal bracket braces. If you have any questions about possibly straightening your teeth and getting braces, please let us know! We are only a short phone call away. If you’d like to learn more about braces or Invisalign, schedule a consultation today on our Smiles Orthodontics website!