Getting braces is a right of passage for millions of people, but the thought of gluing metal to your teeth can spark some pretty wild imaginations. Orthodontists hear it all, ranging from fears straight out of 90s sitcoms to genuine physics queries.

Here are six of the answers to less common questions about braces, along with the actual reality behind them.

1. Can two people with braces get stuck together while kissing?

The Fear: A romantic moment turning into a 911 call because your metal brackets interlocked like Velcro.

The Reality: This is almost entirely a myth popularized by TV shows and movies. Modern brackets are small, smooth, and contoured to the shape of your teeth. Unless you are kissing with maximum force and extreme geometry, getting locked together is practically impossible.

2. Will my braces set off airport metal detectors?

The Fear: Getting pulled aside by TSA for a pat-down every single time you travel.

The Reality: Not a chance. Braces are made from lightweight surgical materials like titanium, nickel-titanium alloy, or high-grade stainless steel. The total quantity of metal in your mouth is far too small to trigger airport security sensors.

3. Can braces attract lightning?

The Fear: Becoming a human lightning rod during a sudden thunderstorm.

The Reality: Lightning is attracted to tall, exposed objects that provide the easiest path to the ground, such as trees, poles, or radio towers. The tiny bit of metal tucked inside your mouth has a zero percent chance of altering a lightning bolt’s path.

4. Can braces pick up radio signals?

The Fear: Hearing music, static, or talk shows inside your head late at night.

The Reality: This is a classic urban legend. To act as a radio receiver, you need a detector diode, a wire coil, and a speaker to turn electromagnetic waves into audible sound. Braces are just static metal loops, so you will not be tuning into the local pop station anytime soon.

5. What happens if I accidentally swallow a bracket or rubber band?

The Fear: A loose bracket causing serious damage to your digestive system.

The Reality: Swallowing tiny rubber bands happens constantly and is completely harmless. As for a bracket? While you should try to avoid it, modern brackets are smooth enough that your digestive tract simply passes them naturally within a couple of days.

6. Will braces make my head feel heavier?

The Fear: Suffering from neck strain or a heavy head due to the added metal.

The Reality: A full set of metal braces weighs less than a single ounce (about 20 to 30 grams). You carry heavier jewelry, watches, or hair clips every day without feeling a thing.

While getting braces definitely takes some adjusting, you do not need to worry about lightning bolts, radio stations, or airport security delays. The only thing you really need to prepare for is a much straighter smile!