Lock Lips, Not Braces This Valentine's Day

23 Jan 2008 14:15 Africa/Lagos

Lock Lips, Not Braces This Valentine's Day

From kissing to metal detectors: orthodontists dispel myths about braces and orthodontic treatment

ST LOUIS, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ --

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular -- and strange -- questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year:


If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?
With today's smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult - almost
impossible -- to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not
magnetic, which means any "attraction" felt is on the part of the wearers,
so pucker up!

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?
You are cleared for takeoff - the lightweight materials used in braces
will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?
No. Today's braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium
alloy, and will not rust.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?
Wrong. Teeth move throughout one's lifetime, therefore it is important to
hold on to retainers and wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist to
maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?
No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Am I too old for braces?
Absolutely not. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Currently
one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. As people live longer and
healthier lives, patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s are experiencing the
benefits of orthodontic treatment.

Can I play a musical instrument?
Yes, that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?
Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least
expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth
guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth
guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightening?
No. With or without braces the chances of a lightening strike remain the
same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to
nationalgeorgraphic.com, is one is 700,000.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?
Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive.
The small brackets used in today's braces, especially ceramic or
tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or
sea life.



For more information about orthodontics or for the names of AAO member orthodontists in your area, visit http://www.braces.org/. Your dentist also can provide recommendations on orthodontists near you.


About the American Association of Orthodontists


The AAO comprises 15,500 members in the United States, Canada and abroad. Founded in 1900, the AAO supports research and education leading to quality patient care and promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists are uniquely qualified to correct improperly aligned teeth and jaws. They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those with this formal education may call themselves "orthodontists," and only orthodontists are eligible for membership in the AAO.


Aimee DeVoll, 314-552-6744
adevoll@webershandwick.com

Pam Paladin, 314-993-1700, ext. 524
ppaladin@aaortho.org


Source: American Association of Orthodontists

CONTACT: Aimee DeVoll, +1-314-552-6744, adevoll@webershandwick.com, for
American Association of Orthodontists; or Pam Paladin, of American Association
of Orthodontists, +1-314-993-1700, ext. 524, ppaladin@aaortho.org


Web site: http://www.braces.org/