Orthodontic myths spread fast, especially online. Some are harmless, but others can lead people to delay care, choose the wrong provider, or underestimate the importance of follow-up after treatment.
The orthodontists at AAO are here to bust myths and misconceptions about orthodontic care and help you make the best choice for your health. Below are eight common myths about orthodontic treatment, plus the facts to help you make confident decisions about your smile.
Myth 1: Anyone Who Provides Braces or Aligners Is an Orthodontist
The truth: Not everyone who offers braces or clear aligners is an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dental specialists who complete additional accredited training focused specifically on how teeth and jaws move.
Why it matters: Moving teeth changes your bite and can affect your oral health. A specialist orthodontist is trained to diagnose bite problems, plan safe movement, and manage complications if they arise.
What to do: If you are starting treatment, ask who is overseeing your plan, what training they have, and how your progress will be monitored.
Myth 2: Orthodontic Treatment Is Only for Kids
The truth: Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of many ages. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and many adults pursue orthodontic care for bite function, comfort, and long-term oral health, not just appearance.
Why it matters: Adults may have existing dental work, gum concerns, or bite changes over time, which makes individualized planning and monitoring especially important.
What to do: If you have been told you are “too old” for orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with an AAO orthodontist and ask what options fit your goals and dental history.
Myth 3: You Can Get Straight Teeth Without Office Visits
The truth: Teeth and jaws should be monitored during orthodontic treatment. Even well-planned treatments can need mid-course adjustments, and issues like gum inflammation, poor tracking, unwanted bite changes, or appliance problems are easier to address early.
Why it matters: No visits can mean no monitoring, and no monitoring can mean small problems become bigger ones.
What to do: Choose a treatment plan that includes ongoing professional oversight and clear guidance on what to do if something feels off. Avoid mail-order or DIY orthodontic kits as they can actually harm your oral health.
Myth 4: Orthodontists Only Offer Metal Braces
The truth: Orthodontists use a range of tools, not just traditional metal braces. Depending on your needs, options may include clear aligners, ceramic braces, and other appliances designed to guide teeth and jaw alignment.
Why it matters: Different tools can be better suited for different types of tooth movement, bite correction, lifestyle preferences, and patient consistency.
What to do: Ask your orthodontist what options are appropriate for your bite goals, and which option is most suitable for your specific case.
Myth 5: Orthodontic Treatment Always Takes Several Years
The truth: Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case and the movements needed. Some people need only minor adjustments, while others require more comprehensive bite correction. Additionally, patients who break brackets and wires frequently may have time added to their total treatment to “make up” progress.
Why it matters: Teeth should move in a controlled way so the bite is stable and the result lasts. Cutting corners to chase speed can increase risk. At the same time, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions about avoiding certain foods and taking care of your braces or aligners to avoid getting your treatment schedule off track.
What to do: Ask what factors influence your timeline, what progress looks like for you, and what habits (like consistent aligner wear) help keep treatment moving.
Myth 6: Orthodontic Treatment Is Purely Cosmetic
The truth: A straighter smile is often the most noticeable result, but orthodontic treatment can also improve how teeth fit together. When teeth and jaws are aligned, many people experience easier biting and chewing, and a bite that functions more efficiently.
Why it matters: A healthy bite supports long-term oral wellness and can help reduce uneven wear and strain caused by poor alignment.
What to do: During your consultation, ask what bite issues are present and what functional improvements treatment aims to achieve.
Myth 7: Once Treatment Ends, You Do Not Need a Retainer
The truth: Retainers help keep teeth in their new positions after braces or aligners. Teeth can shift as the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize, and shifting can continue over time without retention.
Why it matters: Skipping retainers can undo progress, even after a successful treatment.
What to do: Ask what type of retainer you will need, how often to wear it, how to care for it, and what to do if it breaks or stops fitting.
Myth 8: Getting Braces Hurts
The truth: Braces do not usually hurt all the time, but it is normal to feel soreness at certain points in treatment. Many people notice pressure or tenderness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted because teeth are starting to move. You may also feel irritation where brackets and wires rub the inside of the cheeks or lips, especially early on.
Why it matters: Knowing what is normal can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary worry. Ongoing or severe pain is not expected, and it can be a sign that something needs attention, such as a poking wire, a loose bracket, or an appliance that is rubbing too much in one spot.
What to do: Stick to softer foods for a day or two after adjustments, use orthodontic wax on irritating brackets or wires, and follow your orthodontist’s guidance for managing soreness. If you have sharp pain, a wire that is poking, swelling, or discomfort that is not improving after several days, call your orthodontist so they can help you resolve it quickly.
Find an AAO Orthodontist
Myths can make orthodontic treatment feel confusing, but the next step is simple: Talk with a specialist. An AAO orthodontist can evaluate your bite, explain your options, and help you choose a plan that is safe, effective, and tailored to you.
Use AAO’s online tool to locate an orthodontic specialist near you and start your journey to beautiful smiles and better oral health today!
