A metal device that corrects the positioning of your teeth while giving you that perfect smile — let’s face it, wearing braces is pretty cool! But, unfortunately, there are many bizarre myths about dental braces that make some people hesitate about using them. Can braces set off metal detectors, for example?
Braces don’t set off metal detectors. Even though traditional braces are made of a metallic material, the specific lightweight metals that braces are made of don’t interfere with the metal detectors at the airport. There simply is not enough actual metal present in the braces.
Let’s look at what braces are really made of so you can get a better understanding of why you don’t have to worry about getting through airport security while wearing braces. While we’re at it, we’ll also debunk a few other common myths associated with braces.
What Are Braces Made Of?
As a device that’s fixed in your oral cavity for many months, the materials used to make braces have been carefully selected and tested to be perfectly safe for the wearer. There are several types of braces made from different materials, mostly due to aesthetic reasons.
Metal Braces
The traditional braces with wires and brackets that you probably picture when you hear ‘braces’ are made of a range of metals called orthodontic alloys. They are mostly titanium alloys that are often combined with nickel and chromium.
There are also braces made of alloys of iron commonly known as stainless steel. Depending on the budget and the aesthetic that a person is going for, there are braces made of chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys and even precious metals such as gold!
Ceramic Braces
These braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets so that there’s a better aesthetic appeal when wearing them. Most of these clear braces are made of a combination of ceramic or porcelain, glass, and plastic.
Can You Get Through Airport Security With Braces?
You can absolutely get through airport security with braces — even the traditional metal braces. You won’t have to explain the metal things in your mouth, since the lightweight braces that you wear don’t alert a security metal detector in airports.
The purpose of metal detectors in airport security is to locate and prevent the use of dangerous items such as knives or firearms that would be a threat to someone’s life. They do ask you to empty your pockets of metal coins and other metallic but harmless objects, but that’s only so that the detector doesn’t make false alarms.
The amount of metal present in your braces is simply not sufficient to trigger an alarm in a security metal detector. So, don’t worry about going on a vacation abroad while wearing your metal braces!
Other Braces Myths Debunked
Now that you know the truth about braces and metal detectors, let’s debunk some of the other myths about braces.
1. Braces Only Work for Kids and Teens
You’re never too old for braces. Since youngsters have a growing bone structure, they tend to get dramatically positive effects on their facial structure. However, adults are able to get stunning results with braces, which can fix all kinds of bite issues and other dental malocclusions.
2. Braces Are Painful
Braces can be be pretty uncomfortable at first, and there’s certainly an adjustment period of a few days or weeks, but eventually many people forget that they even have them on!
3. Braces Are Dangerous for Athletes
There is no added danger if you play sports while wearing your braces. Simply remember to wear your mouth guard while you play just like you should when playing any kind of contact sport.
4. Braces Make Singing Difficult
Once you get over the adjustment period of the first few weeks of wearing braces, you’ll have no difficulty in singing. There are many singing and speech techniques that you can practice while wearing braces to make it easier for your speech organs to get used to having some extra hardware in your mouth.
5. Braces Make Kissing Impossible
Kissing with braces is not only possible, but it’s also no less enjoyable than it is without them. Make sure you’re gentle at first until you and your partner get used to them, and then you’ll be perfectly fine.
Alternatives to Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are highly effective in making dramatic alignments to your teeth and jaw bone, but not everyone is a fan of the way they look. Moreover, they’re harder to clean and often more uncomfortable to wear when compared to some other types of braces.
Here are some alternatives you can consider if you need dental braces but aren’t a fan of metal braces.
Clear Braces
Clear aligners are nearly invisible in appearance. They’re used mostly for mild to moderate teeth-straightening needs.
Invisalign aligners are one of the most clear options. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear and removable aligners that are customized to a person’s needs. They gradually straighten teeth without any of the restrictions that often come with braces treatments.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, but they use clear or tooth-colored brackets that are generally less visible than their metal counterparts. However, ceramic braces are usually more expensive, and they’re less durable, which means they can break more easily.
Veneers
If your need for dental braces is more cosmetic than anything else, getting veneers is an option you can go for. Veneers are a cosmetic option that can change the look and color of your smile with less preparation to the tooth than a crown.
Veneers are very durable, and a complete transformation of a smile can be obtained instantly after the procedure rather than having to wait for two years to see results, as is the case with braces.
