If you’re new to the world of orthodontics, you likely have a lot of questions and want to know a little more about how the field behind aesthetically pleasing straightened teeth works.
One of the most common ways of getting ideal results for your teeth and jaw, both aesthetic and medical, is through the use of braces. These dynamic and adaptive little tools are capable of doing so much in the mouth and we’re going to take a look at seven interesting facts about braces below.
Whether you have braces, are looking to get braces or are simply a little inquisitive, we have some insightful information for you.
Braces Can Align More Than the Teeth
Off the top, one thing that a lot of people don’t know about braces is that they can align more than just our teeth.
Of course, our braces work around the clock to give us that fantastic and ‘perfect’ teeth alignment, though they also work to fix patient bites, which means you’re altering or adapting the way your top and bottom teeth align and match.
Although most people have this alignment correct naturally, there are many who don’t, and so braces can correct bites too!
Braces Treatment Cost Varies
With a lot of different providers out there, and no standard or flat base cost for braces, the cost of treatment varies wildly on where you go to have these traditional aligners placed in your mouth.
For example, Putney Dental will offer a price that is different to another local dental and orthodontic service provider, and so you should always be on the lookout for dental and braces treatments that are affordable and suit your budget.
Braces Are Almost Three Centuries Old
Contrary to popular belief of braces only arising in the 1900s to enhance smiles for cosmetic reasons, braces actually appeared in the early 1700s.
The French physician, Pierre Fauchard, worked to develop the first braces set back in 1728 which worked as a simple piece (or sheet) of metal that was placed in the mouth around the teeth to adjust and adapt the bite and alignment of teeth.
This same premise is still used today, though in a much more advanced and curated way.
The Wire in Braces was Created by NASA
When we take a look at braces, it is quite easy to see that the tool or alignment technology is rather compact and small. This often has people worried about how strong braces are, given that they are so tiny.
However, NASA’s development of a nickel titanium alloy in the late 1950s is what allowed modern braces to be both strong and ultra-slim inside of the mouth.
Though this material was primarily to be used for space shuttles bound for outer space, it was an ideal material for thousands of other uses, including inside our mouths in the form of braces wire.
More Than Ten Types of Braces Exist
Another interesting fact about braces is that there are more than ten different types out there on the market today.
As you might already know, all of these types of braces are designed for the patients and their needs, however, there are different materials and technologies implemented to suit the patient best.
For example, there are mini braces as well as porcelain models to choose from and even invisible products that make it near-impossible to tell patients are even wearing their braces at all, which are often a common choice for adults.
Orthodontists are the Experts Here
When it comes to your treatment providers, it is sometimes a surprise to patients that their dentist won’t be the ones to place their braces and take them through treatment, but rather, their orthodontist will be the ones to do this.
That in mind, you will still need to head off to your dentist for your routine gum clean and checkups on top of your appointments with your orthodontist.
Retainers are Integral to Braces Treatment
Our final interesting fact is that braces and retainers must go hand in hand.
The fact surrounding retainers is that your teeth will move back to their original place, or move around in general, over time. This will mean that without a retainer, either as plastic retainers that are removable, or steel wire retainers, your teeth are going to lose their alignment and head back to their original crooked or misaligned shape.
To add to this fact, both invisible braces treatment and traditional braces treatment will require retainers to be worn during the night to hold the alignment of the teeth.
The Takeaway
With all of those facts in mind, it is clear to see that braces have a tonne of history and a lot of development has gone into these helpful little tools in order for them to offer up a great experience and to get you the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
Don’t forget you can take a look online for some more facts on braces if you’re considering treatment and want to know a little more.