10 Interesting Orthodontic Facts

1. 10 INTERESTING ORTHODONTIC FACTS

2. Whether you’re thinking about getting braces or currently undergoing treatment,
there are a lot of things you should know about straightening your smile. Orthodontic
treatment isn’t just about wires, brackets and elastics, however. There are many fun
orthodontic facts to learn about braces and why straightening your teeth is easier than
ever before.

3. You may already know that some wiring used for braces contains nickel titanium, but
did you know that NASA originally developed this alloy for use in the space program?
When used in orthodontic appliances, these thin, highly elastic and flexible wires are
activated by body heat and able to maintain their shape after being bent and attached
to the teeth.
FACT NO. 1:
NASA ORIGINALLY CREATED THE WIRES USED FOR BRACES.

4. In 1728, Pierre Fauchard, also known as the Father of Dentistry, designed the first official
braces. These braces consisted of flat metal material connected to the teeth by a thin
thread. As we entered the 20th century with a better grasp on malocclusion, dentist
Edward Angle introduced more advanced and modern orthodontic appliances, like
brackets, to effectively address issues with tooth misalignment.
FACT NO. 2:
BRACES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR NEARLY 300 YEARS.

5. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists.
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention and treatment of
teeth irregularities, such as improper bite. After graduating from dental school, an
orthodontist must successfully complete an additional two to three years of education
from an accredited orthodontic residency program.
FACT NO. 3:
ALL ORTHODONTISTS ARE DENTISTS.

6. Even though braces weren’t designed until the early 18th century, people have had a
yearning for straight, attractive smiles for thousands of years. 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.
FACT NO. 4:
THE DESIRE FOR STRAIGHTER TEETH CAN BE TRACED
TO ANCIENT EGYPT.

7. The success of a patient’s orthodontic treatment depends on how dedicated he is about
wearing his retainer. Unfortunately, approximately 25 percent of patients who wear
braces have to get them again because they fail to wear their retainers as instructed. For
this reason, their teeth shift to their original, crooked position. Bottom line: Wear your
retainer to maintain a beautiful, straight smile for a lifetime!
FACT NO. 5:
RETAINERS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS BRACES.

8. If you think your time for a straighter smile has long passed, think again. According to
the American Association of Orthodontists, about one in five orthodontic patients is
an adult & many patients are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. That means kids, parents and
grandparents can reap the benefits of a straighter smile through orthodontic treatment.
FACT NO. 6:
BRACES AREN’T JUST FOR KIDS.

9. Do you ever wonder how celebrities get those Hollywood smiles? Just like the rest of us.
Many famous actors, singers and professional athletes have worn orthodontic appliances
to correct issues with their teeth and enhance their smiles, including Tom Cruise,
Kathryn Heigle, Chelsea Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg, to name a few.
FACT NO. 7:
FAMOUS PEOPLE WEAR BRACES, TOO!

10. As you read this, 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. Of those receiving treatment, 75 percent are
younger than 18.
FACT NO. 8:
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN THE U.S. ARE WEARING BRACES,
RIGHT NOW.

11. Rest assured that braces don’t live up to many of the rumors you have heard. Braces will
not set off metal detectors. It is not possible to lock braces while kissing. Braces do not
interfere with radio signals. Wearing braces will not increase your odds of being struck
by lightning. You can still safely and effectively play instruments and participate in sports
while wearing braces.
FACT NO. 9:
NOT EVERYTHING YOU HEAR ABOUT BRACES IS TRUE.

12. 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. More so, many conditions are
far easier to treat if they are identified early.
FACT NO. 10:
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT SHOULD BEGIN BY AGE 7.

13. As you can see from these interesting orthodontic facts, the techniques and tools used
by orthodontists to straighten teeth have certainly evolved and improved over the years.
One thing has always been constant, however: People have a strong desire for a straight,
attractive smile. If you want to learn more about improving the appearance of your
teeth with braces, talk to your orthodontist about options for treatment, today. For more
information visit www.charlotteorthodontists.com.