Little Known Facts about Orthodontics and Braces

Many of us have the privilege of having braces. This amazing invention allows us to achieve the smiles we have always wanted. With the expertise of the dentists at Roger’s Center for Dentistry in Spanish Fork you can avoid any smile mishaps. Unfortunately it wasn’t always this way. Listed below are some little known facts about orthodontics and the braces you could be wearing today.

1. The nickel titanium in some braces wire was developed by NASA with shape memory properties (meaning it keeps its shape) that are activated by body heat and/or pressure.
2. Braces are not magnetic. Braces don’t set off metal detectors. Braces don’t pick up radio transmissions. Braces don’t increase your odds of being hit by lightning.
3. The first braces were designed in 1728, consisting of a flat piece of metal connected to the teeth by thread. Orthodontic brackets were invented in 1915.
4. Adults want straight teeth too! In fact, MILLIONS of people over age 18 are currently in orthodontic treatment.
5. Some cements used to attach brackets to your teeth include a fluoride-releasing substance.
6. Nearly 25% of orthodontic patients have to get braces again because they didn’t wear their retainers!
7. 100% of all orthodontists are dentists. About 6% of all dentists are orthodontists.
8. Approximately 4 million people in the United Sates are wearing braces or another form of orthodontic appliance to straighten their teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
9. Even though braces weren’t designed until the early 18th century, many mummies have been discovered with cords made from animal intestines wrapped around their teeth, much like modern braces wiring, which archaeologists believe was an attempt at straightening crooked teeth.
10. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your child seen by an orthodontist as soon as tooth irregularities appear no later than age 7. An early evaluation can help determine if problems are present and anticipate the most appropriate time for orthodontic treatment, if necessary.

For more information regarding braces make sure you talk to your dentist at Roger’s Center for Dentistry in Spanish Fork. Call us today to make an appointment.