Orthodontic treatment has come a long way over the years, but many outdated myths persist. These misconceptions can prevent people from seeking treatment or lead them to make decisions based on misinformation. Let’s break down the most common orthodontic myths, and why you shouldn’t believe them.
This is a thing of the past. Orthodontic treatment is suitable for people of all ages, as long as the teeth, gums, and bones are healthy and there are no active diseases. Today, more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth than ever before.
In fact, in my practice, my youngest patient is 7 and our oldest is 74. And adults don’t have to wear traditional metal braces either. There are highly discreet options such as WIN customised lingual braces (which are fitted behind the teeth) or clear aligners, like Invisalign, Spark, or Angel Aligners. These treatments allow adults to correct their bite and improve their smile with minimal impact on their lifestyle.
This is a widely circulated myth on the internet. Some claim that orthodontic extractions lead to a sunken facial profile, breathing difficulties, or jaw joint issues. However, these claims have no scientific foundation.
They are often promoted by individuals without specialist orthodontic training, usually to market alternative treatments. While anecdotal stories and photos may look convincing, they don’t replace scientific evidence. Multiple high-quality studies have shown that, when planned properly, orthodontic extractions do not cause harm to facial aesthetics, breathing, or TMJ health. Click here for a previous blog post I wrote on this very topic.
This myth is another common claim, especially from non-specialist clinicians promoting certain treatments. While palatal expansion is a legitimate treatment to correct narrow upper jaws, it has limited or no effect on breathing or jawline definition. Click here to read more on this topic and to check the statement by the Biritsh Orthodontic Soceity, about these claims.
MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion) can, in some adults, cause facial changes, but these are typically undesirable side effects like asymmetrical expansion. The more gentle expansion techniques (often used in “orthotropics”) do not influence facial structure or improve jawlines as claimed. Scientific studies consistently show that the impact of palatal expansion on facial aesthetics and airway function is minimal. Click here to learn more.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your oral health, confidence, and long-term well-being. While it isn’t cheap, it also shouldn’t be.
A properly executed treatment can last a lifetime with only minimal maintenance. When you consider the confidence gained from a healthy, aligned smile and the fact that you’ll likely only need braces once, it becomes clear that the value far outweighs the cost.
Specialist orthodontists spend years in advanced training, and they continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies and ongoing education. If treatment seems unusually cheap, there’s probably a reason. If you want to learn more about my orthodontic treatment fees, click here.
Some online claims suggest that early orthodontic treatment can prevent future bite problems or even influence facial growth. While early treatment can be helpful in certain cases—such as crossbites or severe crowding, it doesn’t prevent genetic jaw discrepancies.
Many growth and bite patterns are determined by your genes, and no appliance or early intervention can stop this. Some clinicians oversell early treatments as a solution for everything, but the research simply does not support this. The most evidence-based approach is to treat at the appropriate time, which is often during adolescence when growth is at its peak. Click here to learn more about when is the best time to start orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment has never been more advanced, or more misunderstood. If you’re unsure about your treatment options, speak to a specialist orthodontist who is trained in all modalities, from fixed braces and lingual systems to clear aligners and jaw surgery.
By relying on evidence-based care rather than online hype, you can make the best decision for your smile and health.
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I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
“I'm very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr. Erfan Salloum's attention to detail, and so happy he took the time...”
“Over the moon with the results from my orthodontic treatment at Dublin Orthodontics. I can not speak more highly of Dr. Erfan Salloum and his...”
