Braces have been a trusted, reliable method for straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles for decades—and they likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! While many patients these days are quite familiar with their purpose, there are many fascinating and lesser-known facts about these nifty metal appliances that might seem surprising. Continue reading to learn a little more about metal braces so that when the time comes, you can commit to orthodontic treatment with the utmost confidence!
1. Braces Are Older Than You Think
Braces might seem like a modern invention, but their roots can actually be traced back to ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered Egyptian mummies with “braces” on their teeth that consisted of cords from dried sheep and horse intestines tied around metal posts. Thankfully, the field of dentistry has come a long way in the last 3000 years, and we now have specialized metal braces as well as other innovative alternatives, all made with high-quality materials.
2. They’re Made from Space-Age Material
Speaking of which, modern braces are often made from a nickel-titanium material that was originally designed for NASA’s space program—meaning that this technology has made its way far beyond the Earth’s atmosphere! This material has all sorts of unique properties that benefit spacecraft, but more importantly, they’re ideal for braces since the wire is designed with shape memory properties that are activated by body heat or pressure. The alloy itself is also nonmagnetic, unable to set off metal detectors or pick up radio waves, and is totally safe.
3. They Can Help Adults and Children Alike
Did you know that roughly 4 million Americans currently have braces, and about one million of those patients are over the age of 18? Braces aren’t just for kids or teens—in fact, there’s no upper age limit at all, meaning that you can address dental misalignment at virtually any age, so long as your orthodontist clears you for treatment. This is especially advantageous for those patients who must undergo a second round of orthodontic treatment later in life!
4. Every Orthodontist Is a Dentist
All orthodontists attend dental school, meaning that although they’ve chosen to specialize in orthodontics, they still have all the same knowledge and insights as general dentists. However, it’s after dental school where they specialize; candidates must complete a rigorous 3-year program that continues their education and teaches them the ins and outs of orthodontics.
About the Practice
Our talented team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is excited to offer families in the Pelham community an unrivaled level of high-quality care! We’re pleased to provide a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact us online or by phone today for assistance! Telephone: (603) 255-4084.