From Kissing to Metal Detectors: Braces Myths Unraveled - Dr. Sheila Birth

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!
Teen with braces

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.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

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 in 700,000.

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 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.

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.

With offices in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Burleson, we'd be happy to discuss all your braces questions. Just give us a call and let the orthodontic specialists specialize in your smile!

Dr. Sheila Birth Patient Reviews

Dr. Sheila Birth provides the latest in orthodontic treatment. Listen to what her patients throughout Texas say about her!!The people who work in the office are very pleasant.
-Vickie M.

I came here when I was 12 to first get braces. I loved the place then. I am 22 now and the service is just as great. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.
-Oscar F.

What I like best about my orthodontist is that they are all very friendly and not so rough on my teeth. My teeth are very sensitive and when they have to reshape them it hurts but they are nice about it. Thank You!!!
-Monty L.

Very knowledgeable up to date techs. The office is super friendly and helpful.
-Steve S.

They have video games for the children to be entertained while waiting to be called.
-Marcus P.

Naomi is great!! You're equipment and the "state of the art" technology is wonderful, painless and the office is nice.
-Rhonda D.

Very kind and took the time to explain everything to us regardless of how busy she was.
-Teranne S.

It has changed my life and I love the staff!
-Magaly A.

I like Dr. Birth because she always smiles. She is sooooooo nice to me and she makes me comfortable when I am scared.
-Haley G.

Everything! From the wonderful treatment (and miracles) we receive from the doctors and techs to the office staff. Also, Renee and Kim (and your financial dept.) have been just awesome working with us.
-Jillian D.

It has been a great experience for the whole family. Everyone has really been helpful and friendly. Smiling faces and a friendly gesture go a long way. Thank you all.
-Candace H.

I like the very short wait time. The staff and Dr. Birth are very helpful and friendly. But if you would ask my daughter she would say the Ortho Bucks!
-Michaela B.

They are a very caring and helpful place. I have 2 children with braces there, and the office is always so sweet to them. They remember their names and joke with them. They care about their lives, and what they are doing in school and with their friends. They ask about it, and they care about your answer. They aren't just talking because they think they have to.
-C.D.

They have been very warm and friendly to my daughter and me. She has not had a bad experience or pain from the braces like she feared and she enjoys her appointments.
-Lila H.

A Nifty "Eggs"periment from Birth-Stewart Orthodontics

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Baby Teeth - and Gums - Need Special Care!

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact us.